Teeth Cleaning Cost in India: Full City-Wise Guide.
Wondering about teeth cleaning cost in India? Whether you’re from Delhi, Bengaluru, or Kolkata, professional dental cleaning also called scaling is a common and important procedure to maintain oral hygiene. It’s an essential part of oral hygiene that many Indians still skip due to lack of awareness or fear of cost. This guide breaks down average costs city-wise, explains factors affecting pricing, and gives clarity on what to expect at the dentist’s chair.
Table of Contents
- What Is Teeth Cleaning?
- Types of Teeth Cleaning
- Teeth Cleaning vs. Whitening
- Benefits of Dental Cleaning
- Teeth Cleaning or Teeth Scaling Cost in Major Indian Cities
- What Affects the Cost?
- What Happens During a Teeth Cleaning?
- Affordability & Clinic Packages
- Is it Worth the Cost?
- Indian Alternatives & Home Care Tips
- FAQs
What Is Teeth Cleaning or Dental Cleaning?
Teeth cleaning, or scaling, is a non-invasive procedure that removes plaque, tartar, and stains from your teeth using ultrasonic instruments. It’s typically done by dentists or dental hygienists and helps prevent gum diseases, cavities, and bad breath.
Types of Teeth Cleaning
There are different methods of teeth cleaning depending on your oral health needs:
- Basic Scaling – Removes surface plaque and tartar using hand or ultrasonic tools.
- Root Planing – Deep cleaning that smoothens the root surfaces under the gumline to prevent bacteria buildup
- Gross Debridement – For patients who haven’t had a cleaning in years and have heavy tartar buildup.
- Polishing – Leaves the teeth shiny and smooth after scaling, often with a minty finish.
Teeth Cleaning vs. Teeth Whitening
Many people confuse teeth cleaning with whitening, but they are quite different procedures:
- Teeth Cleaning – Aimed at removing plaque, tartar, and stains. It improves hygiene and prevents disease but doesn’t make your teeth whiter beyond their natural shade.
- Teeth Whitening – A cosmetic procedure that lightens tooth color using bleaching agents. It’s done after cleaning for a brighter smile.
Benefits of Dental Cleaning
- Prevents gum infections and periodontal disease
- Removes hard plaque (calculus) that brushing alone cannot
- Improves breath and oral freshness
- Minimizes tooth decay risk
- Keeps teeth looking whiter and cleaner
Teeth Cleaning or Teeth Scaling Cost in Major Indian Cities
The cost of dental cleaning varies depending on the city, clinic, and condition of your oral health. The average teeth cleaning cost in India ranges from ₹800 to ₹2,000 for basic cleaning. For deep cleaning (scaling and root planing), expect between ₹1,800 to ₹4,000 depending on city and clinic reputation. Here’s a city-wise estimate of average charges for a standard dental scaling session:
City | Basic Cleaning (INR) | Deep Cleaning (INR) |
---|---|---|
Delhi | ₹800 – ₹1,500 | ₹1,800 – ₹3,500 |
Gurugram | ₹900 – ₹1,800 | ₹2,000 – ₹3,800 |
Bengaluru | ₹850 – ₹1,700 | ₹1,900 – ₹3,600 |
Mumbai | ₹1,000 – ₹2,000 | ₹2,200 – ₹4,000 |
Hyderabad | ₹700 – ₹1,400 | ₹1,800 – ₹3,200 |
Chennai | ₹750 – ₹1,500 | ₹1,900 – ₹3,400 |
Kolkata | ₹800 – ₹1,600 | ₹1,700 – ₹3,300 |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the dental clinic, equipment used, and severity of tartar buildup.
Also Read – Why flossing is important after brushing your teeth.
What Affects the Cost of Teeth Cleaning?
Several factors contribute to how much you’ll pay for dental cleaning in India:
- Location of Clinic – Clinics in metro cities like Mumbai or Delhi may charge more
- Type of Cleaning – Basic vs. deep cleaning or full mouth debridement
- Experience of Dentist – Senior dental professionals or specialists may charge higher
- Additional Services – Polishing, fluoride treatments, etc.
What Happens During a Teeth Cleaning?
Professional teeth cleaning involves scaling to remove hardened plaque (tartar), polishing to smoothen enamel surfaces, and sometimes fluoride application. Ultrasonic scalers and hand tools are commonly used. The procedure is painless, though mild sensitivity can occur if you have gum issues.
Affordability & Clinic Packages
Dental cleaning is one of the most affordable preventive procedures in India. Many clinics offer preventive care packages starting at ₹1,000–₹1,500 for regular scaling and polishing sessions.
Some government dental hospitals and teaching institutions offer subsidized teeth cleaning for as low as ₹300 – ₹500. This makes it accessible even for low-income households.
Practices like visiting the dentist once every 6 months and using fluoride toothpaste at home help reduce future treatment costs significantly. For a daily care guide, you can check our dental hygiene routine guide.
Is It Worth the Cost?
Absolutely! Regular cleaning prevents gum disease, tooth decay, and even bad breath. Many clinics in India also offer packages or EMI for treatments. For affordable options, you can visit Indian Dental Association listed clinics that maintain high standards of hygiene and pricing transparency.
Indian Alternatives & Home Care Tips
While professional cleaning is essential, you can maintain good oral hygiene between visits using natural remedies widely practiced in Indian households:
- Oil pulling with coconut or sesame oil
- Neem sticks or datun (ancient Indian chewing sticks)
- Using rock salt with mustard oil as a traditional polish
These remedies are supportive, but not substitutes for professional cleaning.
For more information on preventive dental care at home, you can refer to our extensive guide on teeth cleaning at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the teeth cleaning charges in India?
The charges generally range from ₹800 to ₹2,000 for basic cleaning and ₹1,800 to ₹4,000 for deep cleaning in Tier 1 cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru.
2. What are some signs I need dental cleaning?
Signs include bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, yellow tartar buildup, or visible stains despite regular brushing.
3. Is teeth cleaning painful?
Not usually. Teeth cleaning or scaling is mostly painless. Some sensitivity may occur if you have gum issues, but your dentist will use gentle ultrasonic scalers.
4. How often should I get teeth cleaning done?
Every 6 months is ideal. People with gum issues or high plaque buildup might need more frequent visits as advised by their dentist.
5. What are the teeth cleaning costs in government hospitals?
Government dental colleges and hospitals offer basic teeth cleaning for ₹300–₹500, especially in cities like Hyderabad, Chennai, and Kolkata.
6. Are teeth cleaning and scaling the same?
Yes, both refer to the process of removing tartar and plaque from teeth surfaces, commonly called scaling in India.
7. How long does a teeth scaling session take?
A basic cleaning session typically takes 30–45 minutes; deep cleaning may take up to an hour or more.
8. Can I eat after dental cleaning?
Yes, you can eat after dental cleaning—but it’s best to wait at least 30 minutes, especially if fluoride treatment was applied. Avoid hard, sticky, or very hot foods for a few hours to keep your teeth comfortable and protected. Stick to soft, gentle foods if your gums feel sensitive.
9. Does dental insurance in India cover teeth cleaning?
Most insurance policies in India don’t cover routine cleaning. However, a few premium plans or OPD policies may offer limited dental cover. Always verify with your insurer before scheduling a visit.