A professional tooth cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist can remove plaque on and between teeth. Even with regular brushing and flossing, dental plaque will naturally accumulate in the mouth. Conventional tooth cleaning can cover areas of the oral cavity that are difficult to reach with ordinary toothbrushes. Routine dental examinations also include x-ray examinations (once a year).
Professional tooth cleaning includes washing and polishing. Tooth cleaning treatment uses dental tools to loosen and remove soft plaque and hard tartar from the teeth.
Through regular checkups and tooth cleaning, your dentist can detect any problems early. This prevents them from developing further, becoming more severe or more expensive repairs.
1.Why is teeth cleaning so important?
The dentist recommends a professional teeth cleaning every six months for the following reasons:
- Prevent gum disease
- Keep your teeth healthy
- Achieve a fairer smile
- Prevent bad breath
- Remove the accumulated plaque on the teeth
- Detect signs of oral disease early
- Comprehensively improve oral health
Tooth decay and gum disease are caused by dental plaque. This is a sticky combination of bacteria and food. Within a few minutes after eating, dental plaque began to accumulate on the teeth.
If the plaque is not removed, it will become a hard deposit called tartar. Tartar can be trapped on the bottom of the teeth and on the gum line.
Inflammation and irritation of the gums are caused by plaque and tartar together. Bacteria can cause gums to become:
- Infect
- gentle
- swell
- fever
Cleaning your teeth regularly can prevent dental problems such as tooth decay and gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis).
You should also teach children how to brush and floss their teeth when they are very young to protect their mouths.
2. Factors affecting the cost of tooth cleaning
When it comes to the cost of professional tooth cleaning, there are many variables. These include:
- The location of the dentist or dental hygienist
- Type of cleaning required
- Do you have dental insurance
- Do you need a prescription toothpaste or household products provided by your dentist
3. 4 ways to clean your teeth
You can receive several types of tooth cleaning in a dental office. The type of cleaning you need depends on your age and your oral health. Here are four common methods of cleaning teeth:
Child’s teeth cleaning
After children are six months old or have their first tooth, they should first go to the dentist for an examination. When children are three or four years old, they need to clean their teeth regularly (twice a year).
These tooth cleaning services are to make children feel comfortable. During pediatric tooth cleaning, the dentist will evaluate the child’s dental health and discuss with the parent or guardian how to improve it.
Adult teeth cleaning
Adults with healthy teeth and gums, or adults with early symptoms of gingivitis but no bone loss, need to be cleaned regularly (twice a year). During this process, your dental hygienist will use a descaling device to remove plaque, tartar and bacteria. They will also help you polish your teeth.
Deep cleaning (descaling and root planing)
If you have gum disease, you may need a deep cleansing treatment. This cleaning includes descaling and root planing. These procedures clean the gums, between the teeth and the roots. In some cases, local anesthesia may be necessary to anesthetize the gums and roots.
Periodontal Maintenance
Periodontal care is a professional cleaning treatment method used by dental hygienists to combat the development of periodontal disease. During treatment, the dentist will remove plaque and tartar above and below the gum line. They can also remove stains on teeth, which will help improve your breathing.
4. How much does it cost to wash teeth?
Not all teeth cleaning costs are the same. You pay according to how many cleanings you need and your dental insurance coverage. The cost of a tooth cleaning is between US$75 and US$400 (without insurance), depending on the type of cleaning required and the age of the patient.
| Type of Dental Cleaning | Cost (Without Dental Insurance) | Cost (With Dental Insurance) |
| Child Teeth Cleaning Cost | $94 | $32 |
| Adult Teeth Cleaning Cost | $119 | $39 |
| Deep Cleaning Cost | $335 | $117 |
| Periodontal Maintenance Cost | $178 | $72 |
5. Ways to save on teeth cleaning costs
If you do not have dental insurance, you can pay for dental care treatment in other ways at an affordable cost:
Dental school
Dental schools are an excellent way to obtain high-quality and affordable preventive dental care and treatment. Dental students can assist patients at lower costs in clinics located at many dental schools. All students are supervised by professionals with extensive dental experience.
government program
Your government or local health department may provide free or cheap dental cleaning programs in your area. Contact your local or state health department to learn more about their dental assistance program.
Dental discount plan
In addition to insurance, you might consider a dental discount plan. Alternatives to dental insurance include dental plans.
Many dental discount programs offer 15% to 50% discounts on a range of dental treatments and procedures. This includes cleaning, consultation and x-ray examination.
Patients can also save money by taking part in dental discount programs when they undergo more complicated dental treatments, such as braces and endodontics.
6. FAQs about dental cleaning costs
How much does it cost to go to the dentist to wash my teeth?
The cost of a tooth cleaning without insurance is about $119, and the cost with insurance is $39. The price of dental services depends on your location, the price of the dentist, and various other factors.
How often should I wash my teeth?
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that if you have good oral hygiene habits, you should have a routine checkup and teeth cleaning at least once a year.
Is it painful to go to the dentist for a deep clean?
A deep cleaning may cause some discomfort, but most dentists will apply local anesthesia to the gums during the cleaning process. This will relieve any pain. After that, your gums may be a little sore.
Is deep cleaning really necessary?
If you have any signs of severe gum disease, a deep cleansing is necessary. Deep cleaning can reverse gingivitis, improve your overall health, and avoid further dental problems, including tooth loss.
How long does it take to go to the dentist for a deep clean?
On average, a deep cleaning takes about one to two hours and can be completed in one visit. If you have several problem areas or widespread infections, you may need to visit multiple times.
How much does it cost to remove tartar?
A deep cleaning without insurance costs approximately US$335, and insurance costs US$117.
