When Gums Swell and Bleed During Pregnancy: Managing Pregnancy Gingivitis and the Best Time for Treatment

Swollen gums that bleed when you brush during pregnancy are a gum inflammation commonly called pregnancy gingivitis. The National Health Insurance Service (NHIS, 국민건강보험공단) explains that hormonal changes and a higher body temperature weaken the gums and create an environment where bacteria multiply easily. Dental treatment is advised as most appropriate in the second trimester (weeks 16 to 28), and if you are planning a pregnancy, it is wise to have scaling and an oral checkup beforehand. Treating severe gum disease is recommended even during pregnancy, so if bleeding and swelling are severe, do not put off a consultation.

Published 2026-11-08 · Updated 2026-11-08 · DentalStatics editorial team

Key facts

Why gums weaken during pregnancy	Hormonal changes in the body and a higher body temperature weaken the gums and make it easier for bacteria to multiply (source: National Health Insurance Service (NHIS))
Best time for dental treatment	The second trimester (weeks 16 to 28); the early and late stages are times when the body is sensitive even to small stimuli (source: National Health Insurance Service (NHIS))
Gum disease and pregnancy outcomes	Periodontal disease is a risk factor associated with preterm birth and low birth weight, and severe periodontal disease is considered better treated (source: KDCA National Health Information Portal)
Medical cost support	Since 2022, the pregnancy and childbirth medical expense voucher can be used for the co-payment, both covered and non-covered, of all medical expenses including dental care (source: National Health Insurance Service (NHIS))
Support amount	KRW 1,000,000 per pregnancy for a single baby (multiple births follow separate criteria) (source: National Health Insurance Service (NHIS))

Why do gums bleed easily during pregnancy?

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA, 질병관리청) explains that times of hormonal change such as puberty, menstruation and pregnancy affect gum inflammation independently of plaque. The NHIS also advises that during pregnancy, hormonal changes and a higher body temperature weaken the gums and create an environment where bacteria multiply easily.

The gums react more strongly to the same amount of plaque, so brushing that was fine before pregnancy can now leave the gums swollen and bleeding. On top of that, morning sickness makes brushing hard and snacking more frequent, so plaque builds up easily and inflammation gets worse. Sometimes one spot on the gum swells up red like a lump; if it grows bigger or bursts easily, have it checked at a dental clinic.

Does gum disease during pregnancy affect the baby?

The KDCA introduces periodontal disease as a risk factor that can have a negative effect on the fetus during pregnancy, and mentions its association with preterm birth and low birth weight. NHIS materials also explain that if the inflammation of periodontal disease affects the amniotic membrane, it can create a risk of preterm birth.

The KDCA adds, however, that there is not yet strong evidence that periodontal treatment during pregnancy improves pregnancy outcomes. Even so, given the effect inflammation has on the body, the official explanation is that severe periodontal disease is better treated, so managing it at the mild gingivitis stage is the least burdensome course. If you mention at regular obstetric checkups that your gums bleed heavily, it helps the two departments coordinate the timing of dental treatment and which medicines can be taken.

When should I have dental treatment and scaling during pregnancy?

The NHIS advises that the most appropriate time for dental treatment during pregnancy is the second trimester (weeks 16 to 28). The early and late stages of pregnancy are times when the body is sensitive even to small stimuli, so non-urgent treatment is often put off until the second trimester.

If gum bleeding and swelling are severe, or there is pain or pus, consult a dentist first regardless of timing. At the visit, tell the dentist that you are pregnant, how many weeks along you are, and which medicines you take, and the dentist weighs the need for examinations and treatment to decide whether and how to proceed. The NHIS notes that dental treatment during pregnancy has limits, and recommends that anyone planning a pregnancy have scaling and an oral checkup beforehand.

How do I care for my gums when morning sickness is severe?

If even putting a toothbrush in your mouth makes you gag because of morning sickness, use a small-headed toothbrush and brush slowly at a time when you feel better. If the toothpaste flavor is hard to bear, use less, and if that is still difficult, gently wipe along the gum line with just water to remove plaque.

After vomiting, rinse your mouth with water to wash away stomach acid. During the period when you snack often, get into the habit of rinsing with water or brushing after eating, and once a day clean between the teeth with floss or an interdental brush to take care of the places where gum inflammation begins.

How do I get support for dental costs during pregnancy?

The NHIS pregnancy and childbirth medical expense support was widened in January 2022 to cover all medical and drug expenses including dental care, and it can be used to pay both covered and non-covered co-payments. For a single baby, KRW 1,000,000 is provided per pregnancy, and multiple births have separate amount criteria.

The voucher can be applied for through the NHIS, card companies, Government24 and other channels, and it must be used within 2 years of the expected delivery date or the date of birth; any remaining balance expires. Scaling and gum treatment costs during pregnancy can also be paid with this voucher, so check with the dental clinic before treatment whether the card can be used.

Common myths and facts

Myth: You must not have dental treatment during pregnancy

The NHIS advises the second trimester (weeks 16 to 28) as the best time for dental treatment. If you tell the dentist you are pregnant and consult them, you can receive the treatment you need.

Myth: Losing one tooth for every child you bear is unavoidable

During pregnancy the gums weaken and care becomes harder, so the risk of gum disease and cavities rises, but losing teeth is not a foregone conclusion. A checkup before pregnancy and steady care during pregnancy can reduce the risk.

Frequently asked questions

Can I have scaling during pregnancy?

If you have gum bleeding and swelling, removing tartar by scaling is the basic treatment for reducing inflammation. The best time the NHIS advises is the second trimester (weeks 16 to 28); before the visit, tell the dentist that you are pregnant and how many weeks along you are, and discuss the timing with them.

Is there dental care worth doing before getting pregnant?

The NHIS recommends that anyone planning a pregnancy have scaling and an oral checkup beforehand. Checking in advance for things that could become problems during pregnancy, such as cavities, gum disease and wisdom teeth, can lighten the burden of treatment during pregnancy.

A red lump has appeared on my gum.

During pregnancy, one area of the gum sometimes swells up red. If it bleeds easily, grows larger or gets in the way when chewing, have the dentist check it and advise you on how to manage it.

My gums are still bleeding after giving birth.

If plaque and tartar remain after childbirth, inflammation continues. This is a time when brushing easily gets neglected because of childcare, so once your body has recovered after delivery, have a checkup and scaling to review the condition of your gums. The pregnancy and childbirth medical expense voucher can be used within 2 years of the date of birth, so if any balance remains, you can use it then.

Can I take oral gum medicine for gum bleeding during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, you must first consult an obstetrician or pharmacist before taking any medicine. The KDCA explains that taking gum medicine without removing tartar does not work well, so brushing and scaling come first.

References

Korean version →