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Chewing Gum and children’s earaches
According to a study from the University of Oulu in Finland, daily doses of xylitol, a sweetener derived from birch bark, may help decrease the chance of ear infections.
Middle ear infections are the reason for up to 30% of pediatric office visits in America and the incidence is second only to the common cold. If a child starts having ear infections at a very early age, the chances for recurrent episodes greatly increases.
Studies at the University found that children who chewed gum or swallowed syrup containing xylitol, had much fewer episodes of ear infection. It is believed that xylitol has certain properties that fight Streptoccal Pneumonia bacteria. In Europe, many children are taught to chew gum and it is not uncommon to find children by the age of 1 1/2 chewing gum with xylitol to help prevent dental cavities. However, the dangers of swallowing and choking, associated with the gum, must be weighed.
With these findings, further studies are presently being conducted.
Source: Pediatrics, Aug 1998
