Introduction to Teeth Cleaning Procedures in Korea / Prices / Recommended Clinics

Korean Dental Cleaning Procedure Summary

Why should you get regular dental cleanings?

Usually, dentists recommend getting your teeth cleaned every 6 months to 1 year, but why isn't regular brushing enough, and why do you still need to go to the dental clinic for a cleaning?

First, the principle of teeth cleaning is to use ultrasonic scalers and other professional instruments to remove tartar and dental plaque that build up on the surface of the teeth and below the gum line, providing a thorough cleaning. Actually, it's similar to how people regularly get deep facial cleansing and skincare treatments to remove old waste and maintain healthy teeth. If tartar and dental plaque keep building up, it may lead to the following problems:

1. Causes gingivitis/periodontal disease

If tartar builds up between the teeth and gums, it can cause gum inflammation, which is called gingivitis in the early stage, and the gums will become red and swollen. If tartar is not cleaned or treated, the condition can worsen into severe periodontal disease, which may cause dental abscesses, and the gums and alveolar bone will gradually shrink.

2. Loose teeth and tooth loss

As mentioned above, periodontal disease not only causes swollen and painful gums, but can also make teeth loose or even fall out! If oral care is not done properly, inflammation will persist, causing the gums to separate from the tooth roots. Dental plaque, tartar, and food debris will keep building up, creating a vicious cycle. Eventually, the tooth roots may decay, and teeth may start to loosen due to loss of support from the gums and alveolar bone, finally falling out.

3. Bad breath issues

Brushing your teeth and using dental floss may not completely remove the tartar and plaque between your teeth and gums. Plus, the bacteria growing in your mouth break down food debris and produce a bad smell. If it has developed into gingivitis, there will be even more bacteria in your mouth, making bad breath even worse!

4. Causes health deterioration

Bacteria in the mouth can enter other parts of the body through blood vessels, which may increase the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes getting worse, and can even make these conditions deteriorate. So keeping your mouth healthy isn’t just about your teeth—it’s also an important part of protecting your overall health.

Hong Kong/South Korea Teeth Cleaning Cost Comparison_{(2025 Prices)}

Usually in Hong Kong, you have to go to a private clinic or a large dental chain for teeth cleaning (the government only provides emergency services to the general public), and private clinic prices are usually not cheap, so many people don’t have the habit of getting regular teeth cleaning. However, you can see that teeth cleaning in Korea is 30~60% cheaper than in Hong Kong!

[Spot] Yonsei Uline Dental Clinic (Gangnam Station Branch)

[Spot] Yonsei GOOD DAY Dental Clinic (Gangnam Branch)

[Spot] MINISH Dental Clinic (Gangnam)

Common Questions & Myths About Teeth Cleaning

Q1. How often should you get your teeth cleaned?

A: It is generally recommended to have it done once every 6 months to 1 year. If you smoke or are prone to tartar buildup, it's recommended to do it every 3 to 6 months (even if you have braces or no dental problems, regular cleanings are still recommended!)

Q2. Can foreign tourists get a tax refund for teeth cleaning in Korea?

A: Teeth cleaning is not one of the dental treatments eligible for a tax refund.

Q3. How long does a dental cleaning take?

A: It usually takes 20-40 minutes, but if there is a lot of tartar or the gums are not healthy, it may take longer.

Q4. Can pregnant women or people with diabetes get their teeth cleaned?

A: Yes, actually pregnant women are more prone to gum problems due to hormonal changes. Also, since gum inflammation can affect overall health, patients with diabetes also need to have regular dental cleanings, and they need to do it more frequently than the general public. However, before getting your teeth cleaned, remember to tell your doctor that you are pregnant or have diabetes, so the doctor can help assess and make arrangements for you.

Q5. Will teeth cleaning be very painful or cause bleeding?

A: Whether it hurts depends on the condition of your gums and how much tartar you have. If there's a lot of tartar or your gums are inflamed, you might feel temporary discomfort or soreness, and there might even be slight bleeding. But in most cases, it won't be very painful. If needed, you can ask the dentist to give you local anesthesia.

Q6. Will my teeth become loose and will the gaps get bigger after a dental cleaning?

A: Cleaning your teeth won't actually make your teeth loose or create bigger gaps. It's just that there might have been tartar blocking the gaps in the first place, and after it's removed, you may feel like your gums are swollen or there's a space, but it will naturally recover after a while.

Q7. Will my teeth become more sensitive after a dental cleaning?

A: After a dental cleaning, the areas previously covered by tartar will be exposed, so you may temporarily feel that your teeth are more sensitive. This usually improves within a few days to a few weeks.

Q8. Will teeth cleaning make teeth whiter?

A: Teeth cleaning can remove some stains, making your teeth look a little whiter, but don't expect any obvious whitening effect.

Want to whiten your teeth?👇🏻

[Blog] Korean Teeth Whitening/Comprehensive Analysis of Teeth Whitening Methods

Q9. I've heard that teeth cleaning will make gums worse?

A: Completely wrong! Teeth cleaning is the most important treatment to protect your gums. Some people think their gums look shorter after a cleaning, but actually it's just that the tartar has been removed and the area that was covered is now exposed. It's not because the gums have receded. In fact, if you don't get your teeth cleaned, your gum condition will get worse!

Q10. What should I pay attention to after a dental cleaning?

A: Your gums may be more sensitive for a day or two after a dental cleaning, so it's best to avoid spicy foods, hot foods, alcohol, and smoking. It's also recommended to brush your teeth more carefully than usual and remember to use dental floss or interdental brushes. Keep up with your oral care routine to protect your dental health.

Can teeth get a SPA treatment? _{(aka premium dental cleaning service)}

Maybe everyone usually gets a SPA for their body or scalp, but actually, even your teeth can get a SPA! Located in Gangnam, 'MINISH Dental Clinic' offers a treatment called 'Oral SPA,' with professional dentists providing up to 19 steps of dental care to help you analyze and prevent cavities, periodontal disease, bad breath, and other oral health issues.

Recommended for✨

• You who are afraid of seeing the dentist
• You who want to receive professional and systematic oral care
• You who often get cavities
• You who want to improve and treat bad breath problems

Medical Instruments ✨

• Qraycam pro: Caries and dental plaque diagnostic device using quantitative optical technology
• Qrayview c: Cavity diagnostic device
• Twin Breasor II: Smart breath analyzer
• Phase-contrast microscope: Oral harmful bacteria detection equipment

Interested in doing an oral SPA?👇🏻

[Spot] MINISH Dental Clinic (Gangnam)

The above is information about teeth cleaning in Korea that we've organized for you. Teeth cleaning is one of the simplest dental procedures, and doing it regularly helps keep your teeth healthy in the long run! Teeth cleaning in Korea is much cheaper than in Hong Kong, and the dental technology is advanced. Next time you fly to Korea, consider getting your teeth cleaned too!

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