According to a study of 29,000 pregnant women by the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, those who received dental health care before or during their pregnancy had nearly 50 percent less risk of giving birth to preterm babies preterm or babies with low birth weight than those who neglected their own dental health care.

The results of this study send a strong message about the importance of dental health care for women planning to start a family.

Also, a recent study published in the Journal of Periodontology, showed that bacteria commonly associated with gum disease were found in the amniotic fluid of some pregnant women, particularly those at risk for premature labor. These researchers noted that while there are a number of reasons why women may be at-risk for premature labor, past studies have shown a relationship between adverse pregnancy outcomes and periodontal disease.

Therefore, dentists at the Mayo Clinic recommend that women who are planning to start a family should visit a dentist first and take care of any tooth decay or gum disease before they conceive.

"By taking care of your dental health, you eliminate any chance of passing on bacteria to your unborn child or ending up in the delivery room for a premature birth," a statement from the clinic read.

Women experiencing morning sickness should consider taking Dr. Linda Himmelberger recommendation to rub a paste of baking soda and water on their teeth and leave it for 30 seconds to neutralize the effects of acids and help prevent tooth erosion.

Simple dental hygiene practices - like brushing twice a day and flossing regularly - can help ensure a healthy delivery. It’s particularly important to maintain proper oral health during pregnancy because hormone changes can make gums more susceptible to bleeding and disease.

Some women who are planning to start a family skip out on preventative dental health care due to cost and lack of dental insurance. For these women, there is an alternative: discount dental plans. A discount dental plan allows women to stay up-to-date with regular dental health care check-ups without breaking the bank. DentalPlans.com offers over 30 plans that allow members to save 10% to 60% on most dental services.