Chewing gum to prevent premature births? major trial underway in malawi

NCT ID NCT07424846

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether chewing xylitol gum during pregnancy can reduce the risk of preterm birth and low birthweight. 6,000 pregnant women in Malawi will chew either a high or low dose of xylitol gum or a placebo gum. The goal is to see if improving oral health with xylitol leads to healthier pregnancies and better outcomes for babies.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Xylitol chewing gum

What this could lead to

If it works, this could provide a simple, low-cost way to reduce preterm birth and improve infant health in high-risk populations.

What could go wrong

This is a Phase 2/3 trial building on earlier unblinded results. The effect may be smaller than hoped, and results may not apply to other populations.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for PRETERM BIRTH are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

gingivitis learning disability periodontitis Premature Birth periodontal disorder prevention target

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation Malawi

    RECRUITING

    Lilongwe, Malawi

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••