A baby’s arrival seems to bring an endless to-do list. There’s the numerous doctor visits, preparing the nursery, and of course those cravings. A mom-to-be may have a lot on her mind, but she has to make sure to remember her oral health. That means learning about proper teeth cleaning when pregnant. After all, you’d want a perfect smile to be one of the first things the newborn baby sees, right?

Pregnancy actually increases the risk of tooth decay, and this occurs for many reasons. Women consume more carbohydrates and brushing their teeth becomes more of challenge due to morning sickness and other issues like bleeding gums. Plan your dental visits throughout the entire pregnancy. Having a healthy mouth decreases the risk of delivering prematurely or having a baby with a low birth weight.

Taking care of your mouth allows you to better focus on the coming arrival of your little one. Brush at least twice a day and don’t forget to floss. Pregnancy is a special experience so you want to maintain your health throughout it.