Xylitol chewing gum is a potential low-cost method of preventing preterm birth. The intervention is currently being tested in Malawi under a Saving Lives at Birth two-year grant. Gum disease is a documented cause of preterm birth, but the idea of testing xylitol chewing gum to prevent preterm birth in the developing world is the brainchild of Dr. Kjersti Aagaard, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Baylor College of Medicine. (The Face of Malawi) [http://www.faceofmalawi.com/2011/09/could-chewing-gum-help-lower-rates-of-premature-births-in-malawi/] reports that the research in Malawi will involve testing a series of different gums and mints to prevent gum disease.

Xylitol was first derived in Finland from the birch tree. It is a naturally occurring sugar that does not harm the teeth but rather reduces bacteria and helps remineralize teeth. According to the FDA, xylitol is safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding and appears to reduce bacterial load and transmission of certain bacteria from mother to infant.

The study will be undertaken by Dr. Aagaard building on the partnerships developed by the Baylor College of Medicine-Abbott Fund Children’s Clinical Centre of Excellence in Lilongwe.