Xylitol for Pregnancy Health and Baby Outcomes
Official title: Xylitol and the Prevention of Periodontal disease and Preterm Birth (XaPPP) Trial
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-11416640 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A safe, affordable gum-based treatment using xylitol is being tested to reduce periodontal disease in pregnant people and lower the chance of preterm birth and related child health issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | September 12, 2025 |
| Project end | August 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $385,325 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD119029-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11416640 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Pregnant individuals in the later stages of pregnancy (and their babies) who are eligible per the study protocol.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals who do not meet gestational age criteria or have contraindications to chewing gum would not benefit.
What this research studies
This project builds on a prior Malawi trial and tests three groups, including placebo, in pregnant people to see if xylitol gum improves gum health and reduces preterm births. The study is double-blinded and placebo-controlled to ensure reliable results. If successful, the approach could offer a low-cost, easy-to-use intervention that protects both mothers and babies, especially in low-resource settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the trial could lead to a simple, inexpensive strategy to reduce preterm births and improve child health.
How similar studies have gone: Prior 2-arm trial showed reduced periodontal disease and lower preterm birth with xylitol gum, supporting a confirmatory 3-arm trial.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Valentine, Gregory Charles — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Valentine, Gregory Charles
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Xylitol to Prevent Periodontal Disease and Preterm Birth in Pregnancy and Early Childhood
A safe, inexpensive chewable gum approach using xylitol is tested to help pregnant people reduce gum disease and lower the chance of preterm birth and related child health problems.
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Researchers will study why people born prematurely have weaker bones and fractures, starting in infancy and following into adulthood.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.