Mom, did you brush your teeth?

That question is usually reserved for mom. You know, honey did you brush your teeth? You have to brush you teeth before you go to bed! But now researchers at the University of Pennsylvania find that it's a pretty good question to ask pregnant women. The study followed 1,000 women and found those with gum disease were three times more likely to have their baby prematurely. Women who had gum disease and had their teeth deep cleaned greatly reduced their risk of having their baby early.

We talked to an Ob/Gyn who said he closely monitors his patients for gum disease and says a good teeth cleaning is far less expensive than taking care of a premie in the neo-natal unit for weeks.

The bottom line on this one is simple, pregnant women who brush their teeth aren't as likely to have a brush with a premature birth.