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Gum Disease in Switzerland: Periodontitis and Gum Grafts
Gum disease in Switzerland: gingivitis, periodontitis, gum grafts and implants – what should you know?

Gum disease in Switzerland: gingivitis, periodontitis, gum grafts and implants – what should you know?

In short: gum disease is the quiet half of dentistry. Gingivitis, inflammation of the gums that bleed when you brush, is common and reversible. Periodontitis, where the inflammation destroys the bone and fibres holding the teeth, is chronic: it can be stopped and controlled, but lost bone rarely grows back on its own. The World Health Organization estimates that severe periodontal disease affects around one billion adults worldwide, and European specialists link it to diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In Switzerland, gum treatment is almost always self-funded, because basic insurance (KVG/LAMal) covers dental care only in a short, exhaustive list of situations. Healthy gums are also the foundation for implants, crowns and veneers: treating them first protects any later investment. This guide explains the signs, the stages, the treatments from scaling to gum grafts, the link with implants and general health, and how to organise care if you live in Geneva, Zurich, Basel or Lausanne.

This article is general information. It does not replace an examination by a dentist, periodontist or dental hygienist.

For the broader view of dental care, see our 2026 guide to dental treatment in Switzerland, our article on implant options and our guide to smile makeovers. This article is about the gums and the bone that support all of them.

Contents

Gingivitis or periodontitis: what is the difference?

Both are inflammatory reactions to dental plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that builds up on teeth every day. The difference is how deep the damage goes.

Gingivitis affects only the gum margin. The gums become red, swollen and bleed on brushing or flossing. No bone is lost, and with good cleaning and a professional scaling the gums return to health within days to weeks.

Periodontitis means the inflammation has spread below the gum line. The fibres that attach the gum to the tooth detach, a « pocket » forms between gum and tooth, and the bone around the root is gradually destroyed. Teeth can become loose, drift apart and eventually be lost. Treatment can stop the process, and pockets can shrink, but bone that has been lost generally does not come back without specialised regenerative surgery, and even then only in certain defects.

Gingivitis Periodontitis
What is affected Gum margin only Gum, attachment fibres and bone
Typical signs Bleeding, redness, swelling Bleeding, pockets, receding gums, bad breath, loose or drifting teeth
Pain Usually none Often none until late
Reversible? Yes, completely Can be stopped and controlled; lost bone rarely returns
Treatment Better cleaning, professional scaling Step-by-step therapy and lifelong supportive care

Does gingivitis always turn into periodontitis?

No. Many people have gingivitis for years without developing periodontitis. But periodontitis is always preceded by gingivitis, so treating bleeding gums is the simplest form of prevention.

What are the warning signs of gum disease?

The biggest problem with gum disease is that it rarely hurts. Many people discover it only when a tooth becomes loose. Watch for these signs:

  • Gums that bleed when you brush, floss or bite into an apple.
  • Red, swollen or shiny gums instead of pale pink, firm gums.
  • Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth.
  • Gums that recede, making teeth look longer, with exposed roots that are sensitive to cold.
  • New gaps appearing between teeth, or front teeth fanning out.
  • Teeth that feel loose or change how they bite together.
  • Pus between a tooth and the gum, or a gum abscess.

Is it normal for gums to bleed when brushing?

No. Healthy gums do not bleed with normal brushing. Bleeding is the earliest sign of inflammation. The reflex to brush more gently or to stop flossing makes it worse; the right reaction is to clean more thoroughly, gently, and to book a check.

Why do smokers often have fewer bleeding gums?

Nicotine narrows blood vessels, which masks bleeding. Smokers can therefore have advanced periodontitis with very few warning signs. If you smoke, regular gum checks are even more important.

What causes gum disease, and who is at risk?

Plaque is the cause; the body’s inflammatory response determines how much damage it does. That is why two people with similar brushing habits can have very different gums.

The main risk factors

  • Smoking, one of the strongest risk factors, which also reduces the success of treatment and of implants.
  • Diabetes, especially if blood sugar is poorly controlled.
  • Genetics and family history: some families have periodontitis earlier and more severely.
  • Age: periodontitis becomes more frequent with age, mostly because damage accumulates over time.
  • Stress, poor sleep and poor diet, which influence immunity and habits.
  • Hormonal changes, such as pregnancy, which can make gums more reactive.
  • Certain medicines, such as some anti-epileptic drugs, some blood-pressure medicines (calcium channel blockers) and ciclosporin, which can cause gum overgrowth; and medicines that cause a dry mouth.
  • Crowded teeth, old fillings or crowns with poor margins, which make cleaning harder.

Is gum disease contagious?

The bacteria involved can be passed between people, for example between partners, but whether someone develops disease depends mostly on their own susceptibility and habits. It is not contagious in the way a cold is.

Stages and grades: how is periodontitis classified?

Since the 2017 World Workshop organised by the American Academy of Periodontology and the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP), periodontitis is described by a stage (how severe and complex it is) and a grade (how fast it is progressing and how risky the patient’s profile is). Your dentist may use these terms in a report.

Stage Meaning in plain words
Stage I Initial periodontitis: early loss of attachment, shallow pockets, little bone loss
Stage II Moderate periodontitis: more bone loss, pockets up to moderate depth, no tooth lost because of gum disease
Stage III Severe periodontitis: deep pockets, significant bone loss, possible loss of some teeth
Stage IV Advanced periodontitis with risk of losing the dentition: many teeth affected, bite collapse, drifting, need for complex rehabilitation

The grade runs from A (slow progression) to B (moderate) to C (rapid progression). Smoking and diabetes push a patient towards a higher grade. A young person with stage III grade C periodontitis, for example, has severe disease that has progressed quickly and needs prompt specialist care.

Why does the classification matter to you?

It determines the treatment plan, the frequency of follow-up, and whether you need a specialist periodontist. It also matters for implants: a history of periodontitis is one of the main risk factors for problems around implants later.

Is gum disease linked to diabetes and heart disease?

Yes, and the links are now taken seriously beyond dentistry.

Diabetes

The relationship goes both ways. Poorly controlled diabetes increases the risk and severity of periodontitis. In turn, periodontitis makes blood sugar harder to control, and treating it can modestly improve blood sugar markers in people with diabetes. A 2023 joint consensus by the EFP and WONCA Europe, the European organisation of family doctors, recommends that people with diabetes or prediabetes be told they have a higher risk of gum disease and that dentists and family doctors work together.

Cardiovascular disease

The same consensus concluded that periodontitis is independently associated with cardiovascular disease. Association is not proof that gum disease causes heart attacks, and treating gums is not a substitute for managing blood pressure or cholesterol. But the inflammation of periodontitis is not confined to the mouth, and controlling it is part of looking after your general health.

Other conditions

Periodontitis has also been associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, obstructive sleep apnoea, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic kidney disease and complications of pregnancy. The research on most of these is still developing.

How common is it?

The WHO’s Global Oral Health Status Report, published in 2022, estimates that severe periodontal disease affects around one in five adults worldwide, representing more than one billion cases. It is one of the main causes of tooth loss in adults.

How is gum disease diagnosed?

What happens at a gum examination?

The dentist or hygienist uses a thin, graduated probe to measure the depth of the gap between each tooth and the gum, at several points around every tooth. In healthy gums this gap is shallow; deeper pockets suggest periodontitis. They also note bleeding when probing, gum recession, tooth mobility, plaque, and involvement of the area between the roots of molars. The result is recorded on a periodontal chart.

Is probing painful?

It can feel uncomfortable when gums are inflamed, but it is usually tolerable. A local anaesthetic gel can be used if needed.

Are X-rays necessary?

Yes, to see bone levels. Bitewing and periapical X-rays, or a panoramic X-ray, show how much bone has been lost and where. A 3D scan (CBCT) is used more selectively, for example before implant planning or complex surgery.

What is a basic periodontal screening?

Many dentists use a quick screening index at routine check-ups, which scores each part of the mouth. If the score is high, a full periodontal chart is done. Ask your dentist whether this screening is part of your check-up; it should be.

Scaling and the dental hygienist in Switzerland

Switzerland has a strong tradition of prevention and of dental hygienists, who are trained professionals in periodontal prevention and non-surgical treatment. Many people in Switzerland see a hygienist once or twice a year, sometimes without a dentist’s appointment on the same day.

What does a hygienist appointment include?

  • Assessment of plaque and gum health, sometimes with probing.
  • Removal of tartar (calculus) above and just below the gum line, by ultrasound and hand instruments.
  • Removal of stains, often with powder air-polishing.
  • Advice on brushing, interdental cleaning and products adapted to your mouth.
  • Fluoride application where useful.

Is scaling the same as periodontal treatment?

Not exactly. A routine scale and polish cleans above and slightly below the gum line and treats or prevents gingivitis. Periodontal treatment involves cleaning deep pockets around the roots, usually under local anaesthesia, according to a structured plan and with re-evaluation. A hygienist can perform both, often in coordination with a dentist or periodontist.

How often should you have a hygienist visit?

For people with healthy gums, once or twice a year is common. After treatment for periodontitis, supportive care is usually more frequent, often every three to six months, depending on risk and stability.

Does scaling damage tooth enamel?

No, when done correctly. Teeth may feel sensitive for a few days afterwards, particularly if tartar was covering exposed roots.

How is periodontitis treated, step by step?

The European Federation of Periodontology published in 2020 an S3-level clinical practice guideline for the treatment of stage I to III periodontitis. It organises treatment into four steps, which are now the reference in Europe, including in Switzerland.

Step What it involves Goal
Step 1 Explanation, oral hygiene instruction, removal of plaque and tartar above the gum, control of risk factors (smoking, diabetes) Change behaviour; reduce inflammation
Step 2 Subgingival instrumentation: deep cleaning of roots in the pockets, usually under local anaesthesia; adjuncts in selected cases Remove bacterial deposits below the gum, let pockets heal
Step 3 Re-evaluation after a few months; for deep residual pockets, repeat instrumentation or periodontal surgery Treat sites that did not respond
Step 4 Supportive periodontal care at regular intervals, for life Keep the disease stable and detect relapse early

Does deep cleaning hurt?

It is done under local anaesthesia when needed, so it should not be painful during treatment. Afterwards, gums can be tender and teeth sensitive for a few days. Some gum shrinkage is normal as swelling resolves, which can make teeth look a little longer.

How many sessions does it take?

It depends on the extent. Some practices treat the whole mouth in one or two long sessions, others work by quadrant over several appointments. The re-evaluation typically takes place about two to three months later.

Are antibiotics used?

Sometimes, but not routinely. The EFP guideline limits systemic antibiotics to specific patient groups, such as young adults with rapidly progressing disease, because of the risk of resistance and side effects. Antiseptic mouthwashes such as chlorhexidine can be used for short periods but stain teeth with prolonged use.

Can periodontitis be cured?

It can be controlled. Inflammation can disappear and pockets can close, but the susceptibility remains. Without supportive care, relapse is common. The most important decision after treatment is to keep the follow-up appointments.

When is gum surgery needed?

What is pocket reduction surgery?

When deep pockets remain after non-surgical treatment, the periodontist can open the gum (flap surgery) to clean the roots under direct vision, reshape the bone and reposition the gum to reduce the pocket depth. It is done under local anaesthesia in a dental practice.

Can lost bone be regenerated?

In certain defects, yes. Regenerative surgery uses bone substitutes, membranes or biological products to rebuild part of the lost support around a tooth. It works best in deep, narrow defects. It cannot rebuild bone that has been lost evenly around all teeth.

What is crown lengthening?

It is a procedure that removes gum, and sometimes a little bone, to expose more of a tooth. It is used to restore a broken tooth with a crown or to correct a gummy smile when the bone is too close to the enamel. It differs from a simple gingivectomy, which removes only gum tissue.

How long is recovery?

Most people return to work the day after or within a couple of days. The area is tender for a week or so, stitches are removed after one to two weeks, and the gum matures over several months.

Receding gums and gum grafts

Gum recession means the gum line moves down and exposes part of the root. It can result from periodontitis, but also from aggressive brushing with a hard brush, thin gums, tooth position, orthodontic movement or piercings.

Is gum recession dangerous?

Not always. Minor, stable recession may only need monitoring and better brushing technique. Recession becomes a problem when it causes sensitivity, root caries, aesthetic concern, or continues to progress, especially when the band of firm, attached gum around the tooth is very thin or absent.

What is a gum graft?

A gum graft adds tissue to cover an exposed root or to thicken thin gums. The tissue usually comes from the palate, or a collagen substitute is used.

Technique How it works Typical use
Connective tissue graft Tissue from under the surface of the palate placed under the gum Root coverage; reference technique
Free gingival graft Surface tissue from the palate placed directly on the area Thickening and creating firm gum; less aesthetic
Coronally advanced flap The gum is moved up over the root, often with a graft Root coverage on front teeth
Tunnel technique Graft slid under the gum through small incisions Several adjacent recessions
Collagen matrix Substitute material instead of palate tissue Avoids a second wound; results vary by case

Does a gum graft hurt?

The treated area is usually less painful than the palate where tissue is harvested. A protective plate and soft diet help for the first week or two.

Can receding gums grow back on their own?

No. Inflammation can settle and the gum can tighten, but receded gum does not grow back to its original level without surgery.

Planning dental work and want to know whether your gums are ready? Request a free quote with a recent panoramic X-ray if you have one. You receive a personalised, nominative proposal within 48 hours.

Gummy smile and gingivectomy

A « gummy smile » shows a large band of gum above the upper teeth when smiling. It can have several causes: gum covering part of the tooth (altered passive eruption), excessive vertical growth of the upper jaw, a short or very mobile upper lip, or gum overgrowth from medication or inflammation.

What is a gingivectomy?

A gingivectomy removes excess gum to expose more of the tooth and create a harmonious gum line. Gingivoplasty reshapes the gum contour. Both can be done with a scalpel, a laser or an electrosurgical instrument, under local anaesthesia. When the bone is too close to the enamel, crown lengthening with bone reshaping is needed instead, otherwise the gum grows back.

Are there non-surgical options?

For a hyperactive upper lip, botulinum toxin injections can reduce how high the lip lifts, for a few months. For excessive jaw growth, only orthognathic surgery truly corrects the cause. A good diagnosis is therefore essential before choosing.

Medespoir’s French page on gingivectomy in Tunisia explains this procedure, which is often done as part of an aesthetic dental treatment.

Gums and implants: peri-implantitis

Implants do not get caries, but the tissues around them can become inflamed in a way similar to gum disease around teeth.

What is the difference between peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis?

Peri-implant mucositis is inflammation of the soft tissue around an implant, with bleeding on probing but no bone loss. It is reversible with cleaning. Peri-implantitis adds progressive bone loss around the implant. It is harder to treat and can lead to implant loss.

Who is at risk?

The EFP’s 2023 S3 guideline on the prevention and treatment of peri-implant diseases identifies a history of severe periodontitis, poor plaque control and the absence of regular supportive care as key risk indicators. Smoking and diabetes also increase the risk. Implant position and the design of the crown, which must allow cleaning, play a role too.

Should periodontitis be treated before implants?

Yes. Placing implants in a mouth with active periodontitis exposes them to the same bacteria and inflammation. The EFP recommends that prevention start at the planning stage, before implants are placed, and continue through placement and loading, with a structured supportive care programme afterwards. In practice, a dentist should stabilise the gums first, then plan implants.

How is peri-implantitis treated?

First with non-surgical cleaning and correction of risk factors; then, if needed, surgery to clean and decontaminate the implant surface, with or without regenerative techniques. In some cases, the implant must be removed. Regular check-ups catch the problem at the mucositis stage, when it is easy to reverse.

Does a history of gum disease mean you cannot have implants?

No. Many people with treated, stable periodontitis have implants successfully. The condition is that the disease is controlled and that supportive care continues for life.

Home care that really makes a difference

Which toothbrush is best?

Both manual and electric brushes work when used well. Many people clean more effectively with a powered brush, especially those with limited dexterity. Use a soft brush and brush twice a day for about two minutes, angling the bristles towards the gum line.

Floss or interdental brushes?

Brushing alone does not clean between teeth. Interdental brushes, chosen in the right sizes by your hygienist, are generally the most effective option where the gaps allow. Floss is useful where spaces are very tight. Water flossers can help people with implants, bridges or braces, but are not a full substitute for mechanical cleaning.

Do mouthwashes help?

They can be a complement, not a replacement. Antiseptic mouthwashes are useful for short periods after treatment or surgery. Daily long-term use of chlorhexidine causes staining and taste changes. Mouthwashes with essential oils or cetylpyridinium chloride can reduce plaque modestly.

Does diet play a role?

A diet rich in vegetables, fruit, fibre and omega-3 fats and low in sugar supports general and gum health. Sugar is mainly the enemy of teeth (caries), but a healthy diet also influences inflammation and blood sugar, which matters for the gums.

Daily routine at a glance

  • Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft brush.
  • Clean between teeth once a day with interdental brushes or floss.
  • Do not rinse out the toothpaste vigorously; spit out the excess.
  • Do not smoke.
  • Keep supportive care appointments.

Pregnancy, smoking, medicines and special situations

Why do gums bleed more during pregnancy?

Hormonal changes make the gums react more strongly to plaque, so « pregnancy gingivitis » is common. A check and a scaling during pregnancy are safe and recommended; the second trimester is often the most comfortable time for non-urgent treatment. Tell your dentist you are pregnant before X-rays or medication.

Does stopping smoking improve gum treatment results?

Yes. Smokers respond less well to periodontal treatment and have more implant failures. Stopping improves healing and results. Your dentist or doctor can refer you to cessation support.

What about people with diabetes?

Tell your dentist about your diabetes and your latest HbA1c. Good blood sugar control improves gum treatment results, and gum treatment can help blood sugar control. Your GP and dentist should know about each other.

And people taking blood thinners or bone medicines?

Tell your dentist before any treatment. Blood thinners usually do not need to be stopped for scaling, but surgery is planned with your doctor. People taking certain medicines for osteoporosis or cancer (such as bisphosphonates or denosumab) need specific precautions before extractions and surgery.

Can bad breath come from the gums?

Yes, periodontitis is a common cause. The tongue is another. Persistent bad breath that does not improve with good cleaning deserves a dental check.

Common myths about gum disease

« If it does not hurt, it is not serious. »

False. Periodontitis is usually painless until it is advanced. Pain often only appears with an abscess or when a tooth is already very loose. Bleeding, recession and bad breath are the signals to act on.

« Bleeding gums mean I should brush less. »

False. Bleeding is caused by plaque left at the gum line. Gentle but thorough brushing and interdental cleaning usually reduce bleeding within one to two weeks. If bleeding persists despite good cleaning, see a hygienist.

« Loose teeth always have to be extracted. »

Not necessarily. Some mobility decreases once the inflammation is treated, and teeth with reduced but stable support can remain functional for many years. The decision depends on the remaining bone, the tooth’s role in the bite and the overall plan. Extracting teeth too readily in favour of implants is not always the best long-term choice, since implants have their own risks.

« Gum disease is just part of getting older. »

No. It is more frequent with age because damage accumulates, but many people keep healthy gums and their own teeth for life with good habits and regular care.

« An electric toothbrush is enough. »

Even the best brush does not reach between teeth, where periodontitis often starts. Interdental cleaning remains essential.

Gums before crowns, veneers and orthodontics

Why do dentists insist on healthy gums before veneers or crowns?

Because the edge of a veneer or crown sits at or just below the gum line. If the gums are inflamed, they bleed during impressions or scanning, the margins are less precise and the final gum level is unpredictable: swollen gums shrink after treatment and expose the margin, or recede further around crowns that are hard to clean. A crown placed too deep can also invade the zone of soft tissue attachment above the bone, leading to chronic inflammation. A short phase of gum treatment before an aesthetic project often makes the result more stable and more natural.

Can orthodontics or clear aligners help the gums?

Straightening crowded teeth makes cleaning easier, and aligning drifted front teeth is often part of rehabilitation after periodontitis. But teeth should only be moved once the inflammation is controlled; moving teeth in inflamed tissue can accelerate bone loss. People with thin gums are also at higher risk of recession when teeth are moved outward. A gum assessment before aligners is a sensible precaution, especially for adults.

Does teeth grinding damage the gums?

Grinding and clenching (bruxism) do not cause periodontitis, but heavy forces on teeth already weakened by bone loss can increase mobility. A night guard and treatment of the bite may be part of the plan in such cases.

What does a typical treatment journey look like?

Every case is different, but the table below shows how treatment for moderate to severe periodontitis is often organised over the first year.

When What happens
Week 0 Full examination, periodontal chart, X-rays, diagnosis (stage and grade), discussion of risk factors
Weeks 1 to 4 Oral hygiene instruction, supragingival cleaning, smoking cessation support, coordination with the GP for diabetes
Weeks 4 to 8 Subgingival instrumentation, in one or several sessions under local anaesthesia
About 3 months later Re-evaluation: new chart, decision on surgery for residual deep pockets
Months 4 to 9 Periodontal surgery if needed, then restorative planning (crowns, implants, aligners) once stable
From then on Supportive periodontal care, often every 3 to 6 months, adjusted to stability

How do you find a gum specialist in Switzerland?

General dentists and hygienists treat most gum disease. For severe, rapidly progressing or complex cases, ask for a referral to a periodontist, a dentist with postgraduate specialist training in periodontology. In Switzerland, there is a federal specialist title in periodontology, and the Swiss Society of Periodontology lists its members. University dental clinics in Geneva, Basel, Bern and Zurich also treat complex cases and teach the latest protocols.

What happens at a supportive care visit?

The hygienist or dentist updates the measurements at key sites, checks bleeding, removes new deposits above and below the gum line, reinforces home care and decides on the next interval. If a site deteriorates, it is treated again before the problem spreads. These visits are short compared with the initial treatment, but they are what keeps the result stable for decades.

What about children and teenagers?

Gingivitis is common in teenagers, especially with braces. Rare aggressive forms of periodontitis can appear in young people, sometimes with very little plaque; they progress quickly and need specialist care. These early forms are among the few gum conditions that Swiss basic insurance can cover, which is one more reason to have unusual gum problems in a young person properly diagnosed.

What does Swiss insurance pay?

The short answer: usually nothing. The Federal Office of Public Health states that dental treatment is in principle not a compulsory benefit of basic health insurance (KVG/LAMal). Articles 17 to 19a of the Health Insurance Benefits Ordinance (KLV/OPAS) list exhaustively the situations in which basic insurance pays.

Which gum conditions are covered?

Article 17 KLV covers dental treatment for certain severe, unavoidable diseases of the masticatory system. For the gums, the list includes prepubertal periodontitis, juvenile progressive periodontitis and irreversible side effects of medicines. Courts have ruled that the condition must reach a genuine disease value and that coverage is limited to what that disease requires. Article 18 covers dental care made necessary by certain serious general illnesses, and Article 19 covers dental treatment needed to support the medical treatment of serious illness. Ordinary adult periodontitis is generally not covered.

What about supplementary insurance?

Supplementary dental insurance can reimburse part of the cost of check-ups, hygienist visits and treatment, depending on the policy. Policies usually have waiting periods, annual caps and health questionnaires, and insurers may refuse or exclude existing conditions. Check before you need it.

What about accidents?

Dental damage from an accident is covered by accident insurance (UVG/LAA) for employees, or by basic health insurance for people without accident insurance, when no other insurance pays.

Why do treatment costs vary?

Swiss dentists invoice according to a tariff based on points, with a point value that varies by practice. The number of sessions, the amount of surgery and the need for regenerative materials drive the total. Ask for a written estimate before starting a treatment plan.

Gum treatment and dental care abroad: what makes sense?

Many Swiss residents consider dental treatment abroad for implants, crowns or veneers. For gum disease, the logic is different, and honesty matters.

Should periodontal treatment be done abroad?

Periodontitis is a long-term condition that needs re-evaluation after a few months and supportive care for life. The supportive phase is best organised close to home, with a Swiss hygienist or dentist who sees you regularly. A practical approach is to have the gums assessed and stabilised in Switzerland, then plan larger restorative treatment such as implants, crowns or veneers once the gums are healthy, either in Switzerland or abroad, and continue supportive care in Switzerland afterwards.

What should you check before treatment abroad?

  • That the gums have been assessed with a periodontal chart and X-rays.
  • That active periodontitis will be treated before implants or crowns are placed.
  • That healthy teeth will not be over-prepared for veneers or crowns.
  • That you receive all X-rays, scans, implant references and a written treatment report.
  • That your Swiss dentist or hygienist agrees to provide supportive care.

What does Medespoir offer?

Medespoir organises dental treatment in Tunisia, described in its French dental care guide, its pages on dental implants and on its dentists in Tunisia. According to its prices page, treatment in Tunisia is about 60% less than the equivalent in Switzerland. For Turkey, Medespoir confirms hair transplants; for dental treatment, the quote states whether it is possible and where. In Tunisia, consultations and documents are in French, and there are direct flights of about two hours from Geneva and Basel-Mulhouse.

Your next step: request a free dental quote. You will receive a personalised and nominative proposal within 48 hours, without commitment.

Main sources: WHO, Global oral health status report (2022); Sanz M et al., Treatment of stage I–III periodontitis: the EFP S3 level clinical practice guideline, Journal of Clinical Periodontology (2020); Herrera D et al., Prevention and treatment of peri-implant diseases: the EFP S3 level clinical practice guideline (2023); EFP, news on the peri-implant guideline (8 June 2023); Dental Tribune, EFP and WONCA Europe consensus on periodontitis and general health (2023); FOPH, dental treatment and basic insurance (in German); High Court of Uri, judgment on Art. 17 KLV and juvenile periodontitis (2014, in German).

FAQ

Can gingivitis go away on its own?

It can disappear with better daily cleaning, but tartar must be removed professionally. A hygienist visit plus good brushing and interdental cleaning usually resolves it within a few weeks.

Is periodontitis curable?

It can be stopped and controlled, but the tendency remains. Supportive care for life keeps it stable.

How often should I see a dental hygienist?

Once or twice a year with healthy gums; often every three to six months after periodontitis treatment.

Does Swiss basic insurance pay for gum treatment?

Generally not. It pays only in the situations listed in Articles 17 to 19a KLV, such as juvenile progressive periodontitis or certain serious general illnesses.

Can I have implants if I have had periodontitis?

Yes, once the disease is treated and stable, with regular supportive care afterwards to prevent peri-implantitis.

Do receding gums grow back?

No. Recession can be stopped, and a gum graft can cover exposed roots in suitable cases.

Is a gum graft painful?

Discomfort is moderate for about a week, often more at the palate where tissue is taken. Painkillers and a soft diet help.

Is periodontitis linked to diabetes?

Yes. Diabetes raises the risk of periodontitis, and periodontitis makes blood sugar harder to control. Treating the gums is part of managing diabetes well.

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