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There is "fair evidence" to support the use of xylitol, a natural sweetener used in gums and mints, to prevent inner ear infections in healthy children, according to a new evidence review (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2011, Issue 11).
About six out of every 10 children have an ear infection in their first year of life, and about 83 percent have one by age 3. Doctors typically treat ear infections with antibiotics such as penicillin and tetracycline. Severe cases may require surgery.
"It makes the most sense to try to go toward prevention," said Jeffrey Danhauer, PhD, chair of Speech and Hearing Sciences at the University of California at Santa Barbara.
Xylitol, also known as birch sugar, is used in chewing gum to prevent cavities and has been shown to have antibacterial properties in lab tests. In the current review researchers at the University of Toronto sought to figure out whether there is sufficient evidence to support the use of xylitol to prevent ear infections.
Among all three studies, there was a 25 percent overall reduction in the occurrence of ear infections in the xylitol group compared to the control group. Xylitol appears to work in healthy children by inhibiting bacteria, said lead author Amir Azarpazhooh, DDS.
Gum itself appears to be beneficial as a way to prevent ear infections, possibly because chewing gum opens and closes the Eustachian tubes, stated Mark Shikowitz, MD, vice chairman of otolaryngology with the North Shore LIJ-Health System in New Hyde Park, NY. However, too much gum chewing can be an issue because young patients may develop jaw problems as a result.
In addition, gum chewing in school will be a challenge because many teachers don't allow it, Dr. Danhauer said. But he supports the use of xylitol as a preventive measure. Another approach is to give children nasal sprays that contain xylitol.
The review concluded that xylitol is a potential alternative for preventing ear infections in children who have problems with antibiotics. However, more research is needed before firm guidelines regarding the use of xylitol can be developed, said review co-author Hardy Limeback, MD, head of preventive dentistry at the University of Toronto.
This article was provided by the Health Behavior News Service, part of the Center for Advancing Health.
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