During pregnancy, the body undergoes many changes. The gums often become more sensitive to bacterial plaque during this time. Many patients suddenly notice bleeding gums, swelling, sensitive gums, or bad breath, even though their oral hygiene hasn’t changed significantly.

In many cases, it initially manifests as pregnancy gingivitis – a hormonally induced inflammation of the gums. This is often easily treatable and usually resolves after childbirth. However, it is important to distinguish between superficial gum inflammation and true periodontitis.

Periodontitis affects not only the gums but the entire supporting structure of the teeth. This can lead to gum pockets, bone loss, and, in the long term, loose teeth. Such inflammation should be detected and monitored early, especially during pregnancy.

At the dental practice «Zahnärzte Zürich Gartenstrasse», we examine pregnant patients with particular care and tailor diagnostics, dental hygiene and possible treatments individually to the pregnancy.

The most important information at a glance

✔ Bleeding gums during pregnancy are common, but should always be checked by a dentist.

✔ Hormonal changes increase susceptibility to gum inflammation and can worsen existing periodontitis.

✔ Untreated periodontitis is now considered a possible risk factor for premature birth and low birth weight. However, it is only one of several contributing factors.

✔ Professional dental hygiene and non-surgical periodontal treatments can be safely performed during pregnancy in most cases.

✔ Regular check-ups help to detect gum inflammation early and prevent more serious damage to the periodontal tissues.

✔ Ideally, oral health should be checked and treated if necessary before a planned pregnancy.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. med. dent. Lorenza Dahm

Owner of the dental practice Zürich Gartenstrasse (ZZG),
Master of Science (MSc) in Implantology

Dr. Lorenza Dahm has been working in the prevention and treatment of periodontal diseases for many years. Her areas of expertise include periodontology, implantology, aesthetic dentistry, and the long-term care of patients with an increased risk of periodontitis.

The care of pregnant patients in the practice is based on current scientific findings and takes into account the recommendations of international professional societies such as the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) and the German Society for Periodontology (DG PARO) .

Last technical update: June 2026

Why dental checkups are important during pregnancy

Bleeding gums are often perceived as a normal symptom during pregnancy. While it is indeed common, it shouldn’t simply be ignored.

Healthy gums do not normally bleed. Bleeding usually indicates that the gums are inflamed or more sensitive to bacterial plaque.

Early screening helps to differentiate between:

Is this a case of reversible pregnancy gingivitis?
Does the patient already have periodontitis?
Are there gum pockets?
Is there tartar or bacterial plaque below the gum line?
Is there an increased risk of the inflammation progressing?

The earlier the cause is identified, the gentler the treatment can be.

Pregnancy gingivitis or periodontitis?

Pregnancy gingivitis primarily affects the gums. The gums are red, swollen, and bleed more easily. The periodontal ligament and bone are not yet damaged.

Periodontitis goes further than that. The inflammation also affects the periodontal ligaments and the jawbone. This can lead to the formation of periodontal pockets where bacteria can accumulate. If the disease is left untreated, it can result in bone loss and loose teeth in the long term.

The difference is crucial for treatment. While gingivitis can usually be stabilized through professional teeth cleaning, improved oral hygiene, and close monitoring, periodontitis requires targeted periodontal therapy.

→ Bleeding gums – causes, treatment and prevention

→ Periodontitis: Causes, symptoms and treatment

Which symptoms should pregnant women take seriously?

A dental examination is particularly advisable if the following symptoms occur:

Bleeding gums when brushing teeth
Bleeding when using dental floss or interdental brushes
reddened or swollen gums
persistent bad breath
sensitive tooth necks
receding gums
Pressure sensation in the gums
Pain when chewing
Pus discharge from gum pockets
Loose teeth

Not every one of these symptoms automatically indicates a serious illness. However, they are important signs that the gums and supporting structures of the teeth should be checked.

How do we examine the gums during pregnancy?

At ZZG, the examination is gentle and individually tailored. The aim is to detect any possible inflammation early, without causing unnecessary stress to the patient.

Depending on the situation, the diagnostic process may include the following steps:

Examination of the gums
Check for bleeding gums
Measurement of the gum pockets
Plaque and tartar analysis
Assessment of receding gums
Checking for loose teeth
Assessment of individual risk factors
Discussion of oral hygiene at home

X-rays are only performed during pregnancy if they are medically necessary. In many cases, an initial assessment can be made clinically.

Modern risk assessment with aMMP-8 test

An aMMP-8 test may be useful if active periodontal inflammation is suspected.

This test measures a biomarker that can be elevated when there is active tissue breakdown in the periodontium. This can indicate whether active destruction of periodontal tissue is currently taking place.

The aMMP-8 test does not replace clinical examination, but can be a helpful supplement to better assess individual risk and plan further treatment.

This can be particularly valuable during pregnancy, because one wants to decide as precisely and gently as possible which measures are necessary.

Why the timing of treatment is important

Not every dental treatment is equally pleasant or beneficial at every stage of pregnancy.

Many planned procedures are preferably performed in the second trimester of pregnancy. During this phase, many patients feel more stable than in the first trimester, and the belly is usually not yet as large as towards the end of the pregnancy.

However, acute inflammation should be investigated regardless of when it occurs. Untreated inflammation can be more taxing on the body than carefully planned dental treatment.

In practice, the decision as to which treatment is necessary, appropriate and acceptable for the patient is always made on an individual basis.

Can periodontitis increase the risk of premature birth?

The potential link between periodontitis and pregnancy complications has been the subject of intensive scientific research for many years. Today, it is considered well-established that severe, untreated periodontitis not only affects the oral cavity but can also have repercussions for the entire body.

In periodontitis, disease-causing bacteria multiply in the gum pockets. At the same time, the body produces inflammatory mediators such as interleukins, tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), and prostaglandins, which can enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body.

These substances also play an important role in the regulation of pregnancy and childbirth.

Several scientific studies and meta-analyses have shown that women with severe, untreated periodontitis are more likely to develop pregnancy complications than women with healthy gums. These include, among others:

Premature births
Children with low birth weight
Preeclampsia (pregnancy-induced hypertension)
Growth retardation of the unborn child

The European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) and the German Society of Periodontology (DG PARO) therefore point out that good periodontal health is an important component of medical care during pregnancy. At the same time, both professional societies emphasize that periodontitis is only one of several risk factors . Factors such as smoking, diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, obesity, or multiple pregnancies also significantly influence the overall risk.

Scientific findings therefore suggest that existing gum inflammation should be detected and treated as early as possible – ideally before pregnancy or at the latest during pregnancy as part of close dental care.

Is periodontal treatment possible during pregnancy?

This question concerns many expectant mothers.

The good news is:

Yes.

Most non-surgical periodontal treatments can be safely performed during pregnancy and are now considered an important part of comprehensive healthcare.

International professional societies explicitly recommend that bacterial inflammations in the mouth should not be left untreated.

However, which treatment is appropriate always depends on the individual findings and the course of the pregnancy.

What treatments can be performed during pregnancy?

Depending on the situation, various measures may be considered.

Professional Dental Hygiene

Professional teeth cleaning is often the first step in treatment.

The following are carefully removed:

bacterial deposits
Tartar
Discoloration
Plaque along the gum line

In addition, patients receive individual instructions on home oral hygiene.

Regular dental hygiene sessions can help control gum inflammation early and reduce the risk of it worsening.

→ Dental hygiene Zurich

Non-surgical periodontitis therapy

If deep gum pockets are detected, a so-called subgingival instrumentation may be necessary.

During this procedure, the root surfaces are gently cleaned of bacterial deposits and biofilm under local anesthesia.

The goal is to

to stop the inflammation
to significantly reduce the number of disease-causing bacteria,
to promote the healing of the gums
and to prevent further bone loss as much as possible.

According to current knowledge, this treatment is also considered safe during pregnancy if it is medically necessary.

Local supportive therapies

Depending on the findings, additional locally acting measures may be useful.

These include, for example:

antibacterial rinsing solutions
individually tailored oral hygiene measures
closely spaced recall appointments
local anti-inflammatory therapy

Whether such additional measures are necessary is decided by the treating dentist based on the clinical findings.

Which treatments are postponed until after childbirth, if possible?

Acute inflammations should generally be treated even during pregnancy.

Major reconstructive or regenerative procedures, on the other hand, are usually postponed until after childbirth, provided they are medically justifiable.

These include, for example:

microsurgical recession coverage
Connective tissue transplants
regenerative Parodontalchirurgie
Bone grafting
Enamel matrix proteins (Emdogain®)
Hyaluronic acid to support tissue healing
The implantation

After pregnancy, all modern regenerative procedures are available to rebuild lost tissue as gently as possible and to improve the long-term stability of the periodontal tissues.

Why regular checks are particularly important

During pregnancy, conditions in the mouth can change within a few weeks.

Even patients who had no complaints before pregnancy sometimes suddenly develop bleeding gums or swelling.

Therefore, we recommend regular check-ups and individually tailored dental hygiene intervals, especially in cases of increased risk.

This close monitoring often allows changes to be detected and treated at an early stage, before major damage occurs to the periodontal tissues.

The care is always provided in close consultation with the patient and – if necessary – also with the treating gynecologist.

Treat periodontitis preferably before pregnancy

Ideally, existing periodontitis should be diagnosed and treated before a planned pregnancy.

A healthy oral cavity is an important prerequisite for general health and can help to reduce inflammatory stress on the body.

Therefore, we recommend that women who wish to have children undergo a dental check-up and professional dental hygiene before becoming pregnant.

If gum inflammation or incipient periodontitis is detected early, it can often be treated with significantly less effort than in an advanced stage.

Our treatment at ZZG in Zurich

Each patient receives an individually tailored treatment plan from us.

In doing so, we take into account, among other things:

the third trimester of pregnancy
the severity of the inflammation
existing general illnesses
individual risk factors
personal oral hygiene
the course of the pregnancy so far

Our goal is to control bacterial infections as gently as possible while protecting the health of mother and child in the best possible way.

Modern periodontics for long-term healthy gums

The treatment of periodontitis does not end with a single session.

Periodontitis is a chronic bacterial disease that requires long-term management.

Therefore, modern periodontal therapy comprises several coordinated steps:

comprehensive diagnostics
individual risk analysis
Professional Dental Hygiene
subgingival cleaning of the gum pockets
regular follow-up checks
individually tailored recall intervals

Only when the inflammation is completely controlled can it be assessed whether further therapeutic measures are necessary.

Modern regenerative procedures after pregnancy

If tissue or bone has already been lost, various modern regenerative treatment options are available today.

Depending on the findings, the following may be used, among others:

Enamel matrix proteins (Emdogain®)

Emdogain® contains biologically active enamel matrix proteins that can support the natural regeneration of the periodontal tissues.

The goal is to promote the formation of:

Root cementum
periodontal fibers
jawbone

to stimulate and thereby improve the long-term prognosis of the tooth.

Bone grafting

In cases of severe bone defects, bone substitute material can also be used.

This supports the regeneration of lost bone and helps to stabilize the periodontal tissues in the long term.

Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is increasingly used as a supportive therapy in modern periodontal surgery.

she can

promote wound healing,
reduce inflammation,
support tissue regeneration
and positively influence the healing process.

Microsurgical techniques

Depending on the situation, particularly gentle microsurgical procedures are used.

Examples include:

Tunneltechnik
coronal sliding flap
Connective tissue grafts

These methods often enable very aesthetic and long-lasting stable results today.

Whether and which regenerative therapy is appropriate will be assessed individually after the pregnancy has ended.

Proper oral hygiene remains the most important building block.

Even the most modern periodontal therapy cannot replace inadequate oral hygiene in the long term.

Therefore, we place great importance on individual instruction regarding daily dental care.

Complete oral hygiene includes, in particular:

Brushing your teeth two to three times a day
daily cleaning of the interdental spaces
fluoride toothpaste
regular professional dental hygiene
individual recall appointments

Even small improvements in daily oral hygiene can make a crucial long-term contribution to preventing inflammation and ensuring the long-term success of treatment.

Our recommendations for daily oral care

To support your home oral hygiene, we recommend scientifically based dental care products that enable thorough yet gentle cleaning.

Ultra Soft Toothbrushes

Ultra-soft bristles clean the gum line particularly gently and reduce the mechanical stress on sensitive tissues.

→ Ultra Soft Manual Toothbrush

→ Ultra Soft Sonic Toothbrush

PEARL SHIELD PLUS Toothpaste

PEARL SHIELD PLUS Gel toothpaste contains fluoride and patented BioMin® technology. Through the continuous release of fluoride, calcium, and phosphate, it supports the remineralization of tooth enamel, strengthens sensitive tooth surfaces, and contributes to long-term protection against cavities.

→ PEARL SHIELD PLUS Gel Toothpaste

SNOW SHINE Whitening Foam

Der SNOW SHINE Whitening Foam ergänzt die tägliche Mundpflege mit einer Kombination aus Nano-Hydroxylapatit, Fluorid, Propolis, Salbeiöl, Mica und einer sehr niedrigen Konzentration Wasserstoffperoxid. Während Mica und Wasserstoffperoxid den natürlichen Glanz der Zähne unterstützen, tragen Hydroxylapatit und Fluorid zum Schutz des Zahnschmelzes bei. Gleichzeitig pflegen Propolis und Salbeiöl das Zahnfleisch und fördern ein angenehm frisches Mundgefühl.

→ SNOW SHINE Whitening Foam

Zahnseide und Interdentalbürsten

Die tägliche Reinigung der Zahnzwischenräume gehört zu den wichtigsten Massnahmen zur Vorbeugung von Zahnfleischentzündungen und Parodontitis.

Je nach Zahnsituation eignen sich Zahnseide oder Interdentalbürsten, um bakterielle Beläge auch dort zu entfernen, wo die Zahnbürste nicht ausreichend reinigen kann.

→ Dental Floss

→ Interdentalbürsten

Travel Kits für unterwegs

Auch unterwegs sollte eine konsequente Mundhygiene nicht unterbrochen werden. Die SNOW PEARL Travel Kits enthalten sorgfältig aufeinander abgestimmte Zahnpflegeprodukte für Reisen, Beruf und Alltag und ermöglichen eine vollständige Mundpflege auch ausserhalb des eigenen Badezimmers.

→ Travel Kits

Unser Fazit

Parodontitis während der Schwangerschaft sollte ernst genommen, aber keinesfalls mit Sorge oder Unsicherheit betrachtet werden.

Durch eine frühzeitige Diagnose, regelmässige Kontrollen und individuell abgestimmte Behandlungen lassen sich die meisten Entzündungen erfolgreich kontrollieren.

Unser Ziel ist es, die Mundgesundheit unserer Patientinnen langfristig zu erhalten und sie während der gesamten Schwangerschaft kompetent zu begleiten.

In der Zahnarztpraxis Zürich Gartenstrasse verbinden wir moderne Parodontologie, wissenschaftlich fundierte Behandlungskonzepte und eine persönliche Betreuung, damit Mutter und Kind bestmöglich versorgt sind.

Häufig gestellte Fragen (FAQ)

Ist Zahnfleischbluten während der Schwangerschaft normal?

Leichtes Zahnfleischbluten tritt während der Schwangerschaft aufgrund hormoneller Veränderungen häufig auf. Dennoch sollte es nicht als "normal" angesehen oder ignoriert werden. Blutendes Zahnfleisch ist meist ein Hinweis auf eine Entzündung, die zahnärztlich kontrolliert werden sollte.

Kann Parodontitis meinem Baby schaden?

Eine unbehandelte schwere Parodontitis wird heute als möglicher Risikofaktor für Schwangerschaftskomplikationen wie Frühgeburten oder ein niedriges Geburtsgewicht diskutiert. Sie führt jedoch nicht automatisch zu Komplikationen. Eine frühzeitige Diagnose und Behandlung trägt dazu bei, mögliche Risiken zu reduzieren.

Ist eine Parodontitis-Behandlung während der Schwangerschaft sicher?

Ja. Nichtchirurgische Parodontitisbehandlungen sowie professionelle Zahnreinigungen gelten nach heutigem Wissensstand als sicher und werden von internationalen Fachgesellschaften empfohlen, wenn eine Behandlung medizinisch notwendig ist.

Wann sollte ich während der Schwangerschaft zur Dentalhygiene?

Bereits zu Beginn der Schwangerschaft sollte eine zahnärztliche Kontrolle erfolgen. Je nach individuellem Risiko empfehlen sich anschliessend regelmässige Dentalhygienesitzungen und Kontrolluntersuchungen.

Kann während der Schwangerschaft geröntgt werden?

Röntgenaufnahmen werden während der Schwangerschaft nur durchgeführt, wenn sie medizinisch unbedingt erforderlich sind. Moderne digitale Röntgengeräte arbeiten mit einer sehr geringen Strahlenbelastung und werden nur nach sorgfältiger Nutzen-Risiko-Abwägung eingesetzt.

Sind lokale Betäubungen während der Schwangerschaft erlaubt?

Ja. Bestimmte Lokalanästhetika können während der Schwangerschaft sicher verwendet werden. Welche Medikamente eingesetzt werden, entscheidet der Zahnarzt individuell unter Berücksichtigung des Schwangerschaftsstadiums.

Was kann ich selbst gegen Zahnfleischentzündungen tun?

Eine sorgfältige Mundhygiene ist die wichtigste Massnahme. Dazu gehören:

zwei- bis dreimal tägliches Zähneputzen
tägliche Reinigung der Zahnzwischenräume
fluoridhaltige Zahnpasta
regelmässige professionelle Dentalhygiene
zahnärztliche Kontrolluntersuchungen

Sollte ich bereits vor einer Schwangerschaft mein Zahnfleisch untersuchen lassen?

Ja. Idealerweise erfolgt eine zahnärztliche Untersuchung bereits bei bestehendem Kinderwunsch. Entzündungen können so frühzeitig behandelt und optimale Voraussetzungen für eine gesunde Schwangerschaft geschaffen werden.

Wie häufig sollte ich während der Schwangerschaft zum Zahnarzt?

Dies hängt vom individuellen Risiko ab. Bei gesundem Zahnfleisch genügt häufig eine Kontrolle. Bei Gingivitis oder Parodontitis empfehlen sich engmaschigere Recall-Intervalle und regelmässige professionelle Zahnreinigungen.

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Leiden Sie während der Schwangerschaft unter Zahnfleischbluten, geschwollenem Zahnfleisch oder anderen Beschwerden?

In der Zahnarztpraxis Zürich Gartenstrasse beraten wir Sie umfassend und entwickeln gemeinsam mit Ihnen ein individuelles Behandlungskonzept – wissenschaftlich fundiert, schonend und auf Ihre persönliche Situation abgestimmt.

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Parodontitis in der Schwangerschaft – Diagnose und Behandlung in Zürich