When a couple is trying for a baby, the conversation usually revolves around reducing stress, sleeping and eating well or taking prenatal vitamins. Between all these conversations, oral hygiene rarely makes it to the list. However, the surprising part is that it should.

A growing body of research shows the health of your gums may have more to do with fertility than most people realize- and that is why one simple daily dental habit deserves more attention when it comes to conversations about preconception.

It may sound surprising, but the dental habit is flossing. Dental expert Dr. Homsi says, “Your partner’s flossing habits can affect your chances of getting pregnant.”