Chewing gum fights Ear Infections

Chewing gum with the sweetener Xylitol can help prevent middle ear infections in healthy children. Regular consumption of Xylitol in the form of gum, lozenges or syrup was associated with a 25 percent reduced risk of developing the infections, compared to kids who chewed gum without xylitol.

While there is fair evidence to support a benefit, more research is needed to make a firm recommendation about using xylitol to prevent ear infections, say Dr. Amir Azarpazhooh of the University of Toronto.