How much does a dental cleaning cost?

A routine prophylaxis cleaning costs $75–$200 without insurance, while deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) runs $200–$400 per quadrant. Most dental plans cover two cleanings per year at 100%. Periodontal maintenance after gum disease treatment is typically covered 80%.

What happens during a dental cleaning?

The hygienist uses an ultrasonic scaler and hand instruments to remove plaque and tartar above and below the gumline, then polishes the teeth and applies fluoride. A typical cleaning takes 30–60 minutes, with bitewing X-rays once per year. An exam by the dentist follows.

Does a dental cleaning hurt?

Routine cleanings are not painful; some patients feel mild gum sensitivity if there is inflammation. Deep cleaning may be done under local anesthesia and can cause 1–3 days of mild soreness. Cold and tooth sensitivity for 1–2 weeks after deep cleaning is common.

How often should I get my teeth cleaned?

Most adults need cleanings every 6 months; patients with periodontal disease are typically on a 3–4 month recall. Smokers, diabetics, and pregnant patients benefit from a 3-month interval. Skipping cleanings doubles the rate of gum disease progression.

Are professional cleanings really necessary if I brush and floss?

Yes — even diligent brushing leaves about 30–40% of plaque biofilm intact, and tartar can only be removed professionally. Cleanings also let the dentist screen for early cavities, oral cancer, and gum disease. Prevention typically saves 5–10x the cost of restorative work.

Service Guide

Dental Cleaning

Professional dental cleaning, also known as prophylaxis, is a preventive procedure that removes plaque, tartar, and stains from your teeth. Regular cleanings are essential for maintaining oral health and preventing gum disease.

1,251

Clinics offer this

30-60 minutes

Typical duration

Service overview

About Dental Cleaning

What is Dental Cleaning?

Who Needs It?

Everyone should have regular professional dental cleanings. They are especially important for patients prone to gum disease, those with braces, and anyone who wants to maintain optimal oral health and a bright smile.

What to Expect

A dental hygienist will use specialized instruments to remove plaque and tartar buildup, polish your teeth, and floss between them. The procedure is generally painless and leaves your teeth feeling smooth and fresh.

Quick Facts

Average Duration

30-60 minutes

Pain Level

None to minimal

Recovery Time

None

Recommended Frequency

Every 6 months

Browse clinics

Find Clinics Offering Dental Cleaning

1251 clinics offer dental cleaning. Compare ratings, prices, and reviews to find the perfect match.

Near Columbus All cities, United States firstWorldwide only

Showing clinics from the full worldwide marketplace without local preference. Switch back to All cities, United States first if you still want United States results prioritized.

Closed · Opens Monday at 8 AM

Bailey Kevin H DDS

411 Carriage Dr, Beckley, WV 25801, USA · Beckley, West Virginia

32.9Smyleee Rating

Dr. Kevin Bailey, DDS is a Dentistry Practitioner in Beckley, WV. He is accepting new patients. Be sure to call ahead with Dr. Bailey to book an appointment. He has received an ...

Porcelain VeneersRoot Canal TreatmentDental CrownsPreventive Cleanings+1 more

View Profile Call Now Visit Website

Closed · Opens tomorrow at 8 AM

Grass Roots Dental

6/1 Buffalo Ct, Darwin City NT 0800, Australia · 6/1 Buffalo Ct

32.9Smyleee Rating

Grass Roots Dental would like to welcome you to its unique and territory inspired dental practice. Our well appointed Darwin rooms have been purpose built to deliver the highest...

Pediatric DentistryOrthodonticsDental ImplantsOral Surgery+1 more

View Profile Call Now Visit Website

Closed · Opens tomorrow at 9:30 AM

Ehan's Dental Care

74-A-14, B.K.Towers, Near Prayag Appartments, Anniappan Street, Ganapathy Post, Ramasamy Nagar Extension I, Nallampalayam, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641006, India · Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu

32.9Smyleee Rating

We are here to provide you the following treatments : Scaling and polishing Root canal treatment and capping Implant Fillings Diagnosis and treatment plan of oral diseases Brace...

Pediatric DentistryBracesDental ImplantsRoot Canal Treatment+1 more

View Profile Call Now Visit Website

Closed · Opens Monday at 8:30 AM

West Lake Dental Group

1484 Innisfil Beach Rd Unit 3, Innisfil, ON L9S 4J1, Canada · Innisfil

31.5Smyleee Rating

The wonderful team at West Lake Dental Group offer everything from routine Checkups and Teeth Cleanings to cosmetic dentistry work such as Orthodontics and Invisalign. We place ...

InvisalignCosmetic DentistryPreventive CleaningsGeneral Dentistry+1 more

View Profile Call Now Visit Website

Closed · Opens Monday at 8:30 AM

Gentle Dental Care

6 Chapel Hill, Tilehurst, Reading RG31 5DG, United Kingdom · Tilehurst

31.5Smyleee Rating

OUR PRACTICE Our practice is designed to create a pleasant and relaxing environment. We aim to forge a long term partnership with our patients. OUR TREATMENTS We can accommodate...

Cosmetic DentistryPreventive CleaningsGeneral DentistryAffordable Dental Care

View Profile Call Now Visit Website

Closed · Opens Monday at 8 AM

L Corns Denture Services

9A Queen's Cross, Dudley DY1 1QU, United Kingdom · 9A Queen's Cross

31.5Smyleee Rating

We offer a cleaning and polishing service. Have your dentures deep cleaned with a high gloss polish for easy future cleaning keeping them hygienic and tartar free.With our carin...

DenturesPreventive CleaningsGeneral DentistryAffordable Dental Care

View Profile Call Now Visit Website

Closed · Opens Monday at 12 PM

Grace Dental Clinic

9902 93 St, Fort Saskatchewan, AB T8L 4K8, Canada · Fort Saskatchewan

31.5Smyleee Rating

As dedicated dental health professionals, we strive to create a welcoming atmosphere to all our patients by providing gentle, comprehensive and conscientious care. From the rece...

Preventive CleaningsGeneral DentistryAffordable Dental Care

View Profile Call Now Visit Website

Metro Cochin Dental Clinic

Market Rd, Marine Drive, Ernakulam, Kerala 682035, India · Ernakulam, Kerala

30.1Smyleee Rating

We are all set to provide you the quality dental care in the metro setup. Your beautiful and healthy smile is what we crave for. Now is the time to take care of your teeth, so g...

BracesDental ImplantsRoot Canal TreatmentPreventive Cleanings+1 more

View Profile Call Now Visit Website

Arno Dental Practice

350 Woodchurch Rd, Birkenhead CH42 8PG, United Kingdom · 350 Woodchurch Rd

30.1Smyleee Rating

Arno Dental Practice is a mixed NHS and private practice in Prenton on the Wirral Peninsula offering a wide range of dental treatment to you and your family. We have a special i...

Dental ImplantsCosmetic DentistryPreventive CleaningsGeneral Dentistry+1 more

View Profile Call Now Visit Website

Ashwini's Care 32 Multispeciality Dental Clinic

Shop No 1 , Ground floor , SHLOKAvihar apartments , Ujjody , Pumpwell Mangalore Landmark NORTHERN sky apartments, Pumpwell, Mangaluru, Karnataka 575002, India · Mangaluru, Karnataka

30.1Smyleee Rating

Our Multispeciality Dental clinics are located at the center of the city and are committed to dental excellence providing all kinds of Dental treatments with latest advancements...

OrthodonticsDental ImplantsRoot Canal TreatmentDental Crowns+1 more

View Profile Call Now Visit Website

Closed · Opens Monday at 8 AM

Northgate Dentistry

543 Exmouth St, Sarnia, ON N7T 5P6, Canada · Sarnia

27.4Smyleee Rating

Northgate Dentistry is proud to serve families and individuals across Sarnia, ON, and surrounding areas with a comprehensive range of general and cosmetic dental services. From ...

Dental ImplantsCosmetic DentistryPreventive CleaningsTooth Decay Treatment+1 more

View Profile

Explore more