Expecting mothers have a lot to deal with. In addition to a slew of physical and hormonal changes, there’s the never-ending onslaught of new information and advice: what to expect, what to avoid, what to embrace. It’s information overload, and while everyone has an opinion, distinguishing fact from fiction can be tricky at best. One common misconception concerns pregnancy and dental care. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Visiting the dentist during pregnancy is totally safe. Despite what you may have heard, pregnant women can safely visit their dentist for routine check-ups, cleanings, X-rays and more. It’s best to put off elective procedures until after giving birth, but standard dental care is recommended. Research shows that even dental work with anesthetics—something that wouldn’t be used during a check-up or basic cleaning—didn’t pose a significant risk to newborns.

   The key is to let your dentist and hygienist know you’re expecting so that they can give you the best possible care. This means that if the position of the chair is causing you discomfort or to become lightheaded, speak up. Small adjustments can make a big difference!

2. It’s also pretty important. Expecting moms are encouraged to go to the dentist. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause an increased risk for gum disease, which can impact fetal development. Gums that swell and bleed may more easily trap food, causing additional problems. To avoid periodontal disease and gingivitis, it’s best to have the dentist carefully examine the teeth and gums during the second trimester.

   If your morning sickness is more of an all-day sickness, you’ll also want to remember that frequent vomiting can cause dental erosion. This is when the acid from stomach bile causes the hard outer layer of the tooth to erode. To help minimize this issue, avoid brushing your teeth right away. Instead, rinse with a teaspoon of baking soda dissolved in one cup of water. This will prevent the acid from hurting your teeth. Wait an hour to brush after vomiting.

3. Your baby benefits from good oral health, too. According to an article on WebMD.com, babies first begin to develop their teeth three months into the pregnancy. Not only will eating healthy, balanced meals (read: ones that limit sugary snacks) help you avoid dental problems and tooth decay, it will also benefit your baby during development. Incorporating dairy products into your diet will give your child access to essential minerals and nutrients that can help her grow stronger bones and teeth.

With so many opportunities for misinformation, it’s easy to be unsure about how dental procedures will impact your baby. These three points prove that maintaining dental health during pregnancy is beneficial. Regular dental checkups and cleanings are always the best way to supplement good dental habits. They’re important for the whole family. To find out the latest and best information about your family’s specific needs, talk to your dentist. A professional can help you determine what procedures to schedule and how to maintain good oral health outside the office.