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 reports that the research in Malawi will involve testing a series of different gums and mints to prevent gum disease.