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RecruitingInterventionalPhase 2 / Phase 3

Xylitol and the Prevention of Periodontal Disease and Preterm Birth Trial

Xylitol and the Prevention of Periodontal Disease and Preterm Birth (XaPPP) Trial

This is a registered study tracked in the Sterling IMRES research watch. It is sponsored by University of Washington and run by the investigators named in the registry, not by Sterling IMRES. Details come from ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 10 September 2026.

Summary

Building on an earlier cluster trial in Lilongwe, this Malawi-based randomised trial gives pregnant participants either xylitol-containing chewing gum or a sorbitol gum. The study asks whether improving maternal oral health with xylitol lowers rates of preterm birth and low birthweight. Child developmental outcomes are also tracked.

Objectives

  • Determine whether chewing xylitol gum during pregnancy reduces preterm birth compared with a sorbitol control gum.
  • Assess effects on maternal periodontal disease and gingivitis, birthweight and child development.

Methodology

Study design
Randomized, parallel assignment, triple-blind, primary purpose: prevention
Conditions
Preterm Birth; Low Birthweight Neonate; Periodontitis; Gingivitis; Developmental Delay
Interventions
Xylitol Chewing gum (drug); Sorbitol chewing gum (other)
Primary outcome
Preterm Birth
Sample size
6,000 participants (estimated)
Locations
Malawi

Team

0

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