CHEWING SUGAR-FREE GUM REDUCED PRETERM BIRTHS Each year, an estimated 15 million babies are born prematurely or preterm (defined as delivery before the 37th week of pregnancy), and this number is rising, according to the World Health Organization. Preterm babies are at greater risk of experiencing serious health problems Over the last several decades, multiple studies have shown a link between poor oral health and increased occurrence of preterm birth. Researchers have looked at various ways to improve dental health during pregnancy, including doing a "deep-teeth cleaning," (also called 'scaling and planing') which involves removing plaque and tartar on the teeth and below the gum line. But now researchers have discovered an easy and inexpensive way to improve oral health and reduce preterm births. A new study offers findings that suggest that daily use of xylitol chewing gum starting pre-or early pregnancy significantly reduced the number of preterm births. Xylitol is a naturally occurring alcohol found in fruits and vegetables and is commonly used as a sugar substitute in chewing gum. Out of the 9,670 participants who were available for contact during the up to six years of follow-up, results showed a significant reduction in preterm birth among those who chewed the xylitol containing gum (12.6 percent vs. 16.5 percent) and fewer low birth weight babies, those weighing 5.5 pounds or less (8.9 percent vs. 12.9 percent). Participants also saw an improvement in their oral health. Presented as a service to the community by SM-CL2027856 Dr. Barbara Webster 1121 Warren Ave., Suite 130, Downers Grove, IL 60515 630-663-0554 CHEWING SUGAR - FREE GUM REDUCED PRETERM BIRTHS Each year , an estimated 15 million babies are born prematurely or preterm ( defined as delivery before the 37th week of pregnancy ) , and this number is rising , according to the World Health Organization . Preterm babies are at greater risk of experiencing serious health problems Over the last several decades , multiple studies have shown a link between poor oral health and increased occurrence of preterm birth . Researchers have looked at various ways to improve dental health during pregnancy , including doing a " deep - teeth cleaning , " ( also called ' scaling and planing ' ) which involves removing plaque and tartar on the teeth and below the gum line . But now researchers have discovered an easy and inexpensive way to improve oral health and reduce preterm births . A new study offers findings that suggest that daily use of xylitol chewing gum starting pre - or early pregnancy significantly reduced the number of preterm births . Xylitol is a naturally occurring alcohol found in fruits and vegetables and is commonly used as a sugar substitute in chewing gum . Out of the 9,670 participants who were available for contact during the up to six years of follow - up , results showed a significant reduction in preterm birth among those who chewed the xylitol containing gum ( 12.6 percent vs. 16.5 percent ) and fewer low birth weight babies , those weighing 5.5 pounds or less ( 8.9 percent vs. 12.9 percent ) . Participants also saw an improvement in their oral health . Presented as a service to the community by SM - CL2027856 Dr. Barbara Webster 1121 Warren Ave. , Suite 130 , Downers Grove , IL 60515 630-663-0554