Xylitol and chlorhexidine lower maternal oral bacterial load and reduce transmis- sion of bacteria to infants when used late in pregnancy and/or in the postpartum period. Both topical agents are safe in preg- nancy (U.S. Food and Drug Administration[FDA] pregnancy category B) and during breastfeeding.25-27 Studies have used differ- ent dosing levels, and the optimal dose for consistent prevention is unclear.