(By Dr. Joseph D. Lim and Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim, BS-MMG, DDM, MSc-OI)
VERY simple and very affordable.
A new study shows that simply chewing sugarless gum might reduce early births, also known as preterm or premature births.
The findings reflect what researchers have been looking for: the association between poor oral health and giving birth too early.
The study results, as reported by The Associated Press, is based on modest findings. “The improvements seen in the study in the African country of Malawi were modest: The rates of premature birth were slightly lower in the pregnant women who chewed the gum, compared to those who didn’t,” the AP reported.
It’s still a cause of guarded optimism because while bubble gums are very affordable, premature birth may cause health problems in babies that will cost thousands of pesos to treat.
According to the AP report, studies have shown that gum diseases are linked to premature birth. It is believed to be caused by oral bacteria infections in the mouth that increases the chances of inflammation in the body which then could lead to premature birth.
The six-year Malawi research involved more than 10,000 women, some not pregnant, others in the first half of pregnancy. Some participants received oral health education and chewed the gum twice a day while control groups participated in the education part only.
The chewing gum contained xylitol, a sugar substitute that is sourced from fruits and vegetables. Xylitol is an ingredient in candies, foods and toothpaste. Researchers believe xylitol encourages the growth of good bacteria in the mouth.
Early studies have found that xylitol lessens the oral bacteria load and thus decreases the amounts of bacteria on teeth surface. This means less plaque buildup, a condition that may cause gum disease.
The study found a lower rate of premature births before 37 weeks in the group that chewed xylitol gum. The biggest difference was in “late” premature births between 34 and nearly 37 weeks.
Though giving birth earlier is potentially worse for the baby, experts say late preterm infants are at risk for such things as respiratory problems, feeding difficulties and developmental issues, the AP reported.
Malawi was chosen because the country has high rates of gum disease and premature births – a fifth of infants or twice the rate in the United States, according to researcher Dr. Kjersti Aagaard, an OB-GYN at Houston’s Baylor College of Medicine.
Other studies have suggested other conventional methods help prevent premature birth, the AP reported. A review of clinical trials conducted in 2021 found that dental visits as one treatment of gingivitis may reduce premature birth. A 2012 study found that teeth cleaning during pregnancy lowers the risk of premature birth.
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Dr. Joseph D. Lim is the former Associate Dean of the College of Dentistry, University of the East; former Dean, College of Dentistry, National University; Past President and Honorary Fellow of the Asian Oral Implant Academy; Honorary Fellow of the Japan College of Oral Implantologists; and Honorary Life Member of the Thai Association of Dental Implantology. For questions on dental health, e-mail jdlim2008@gmail.com or text 0917-8591515.
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Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim, BS-MMG, DDM, MSc-OI, graduated Doctor of Dental Medicine, University of the Philippines College of Dentistry, Manila, 2011; Bachelor of Science in Marketing Management, De la Salle University, Manila, 2002; and Master of Science (MSc.) in Oral Implantology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany, 2019. He is an Associate professor; Fellow, International Congress of Oral Implantologists; Member, American Academy of Implant Dentistry and Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail limdentalcenter@gmail.com/PN
