Professional teeth cleaning (also called dental prophylaxis) is a routine preventive dental service that removes plaque, tartar (calculus), and surface stains to help maintain gum health and prevent decay. It is one of the most common preventive procedures and is recommended at least once or twice a year for most patients.



Below is a clear, clinic-ready explanation of the average cost of professional teeth cleaning in Korea, written so you can copy and paste it directly onto a dental website.

What Is Professional Teeth Cleaning?

Professional teeth cleaning is performed by a dentist or dental hygienist and typically includes:

A thorough examination of teeth and gums
Removal of plaque and tartar above and below the gum line
Polishing of tooth surfaces
Oral hygiene advice and recommendations

This preventive care helps reduce the risk of gum disease, decay, and bad breath, and supports overall oral health.

Average Teeth Cleaning Cost in Korea

The average cost of professional teeth cleaning in Korea generally ranges from: KRW 30,000 to KRW 80,000 per visit

This fee reflects the typical private clinic pricing for routine cleaning services.

The exact cost within this range depends on factors such as:

The amount of tartar buildup
Whether cleaning is limited to above-gum cleaning or includes scaling below the gum line
Clinic location and pricing policies
Experience level of the clinician

What Is Usually Included in the Fee

Most clinics include the following in the professional teeth cleaning cost:

A check of gum health (gum inflammation, bleeding, pocket depth)
Supragingival (above-gum) scaling
Polishing of tooth surfaces
Basic oral hygiene instruction

If subgingival scaling (below the gum line) or periodontal maintenance is needed due to gum disease, additional charges may apply.

Factors That Can Affect Cost

Greater tartar buildup may require more time and effort, which can increase the cleaning fee.

Clinics located in major cities like Seoul often have higher pricing than those in smaller towns due to rent and operating costs.

Some clinics include ultrasonic cleaning, hand scaling, and polishing in the base fee, while others may itemize some of these elements.

Insurance and Payment in Korea

Professional teeth cleaning is often considered preventive care. For patients with Korean National Health Insurance, part of the fee may be subsidized or covered depending on policy details and age.

For foreign patients without Korean insurance, teeth cleaning is typically paid out of pocket at private clinic rates.

Some private international insurance plans may reimburse part of the cost, depending on individual policy terms.

How Often Should You Get Teeth Cleaning?

Dental professionals typically recommend professional cleaning:
At least once every 6 months for most patients
More frequently (every 3–4 months) for patients with periodontal disease or high tartar buildup

Regular cleanings help maintain oral health and can reduce the need for more involved treatments.

Final Thought

The average cost of professional teeth cleaning in Korea usually falls between KRW 30,000 and KRW 80,000 per visit in private dental clinics. Prices vary slightly based on the amount of work required, the clinic’s location, and additional services.

A regular cleaning schedule is an investment in long-term oral health and can help prevent more costly treatments in the future.