Manila · Treatment Guide
Dental Cleaning Manila
Professional prophylaxis for a healthier, brighter smile
Price Range
₱500 – ₱2,500
Duration
30–60 minutes
Consultation
Free
What Is Professional Dental Cleaning?
Professional dental cleaning (prophylaxis) is a preventive procedure performed by a dentist or dental hygienist to remove plaque, tartar (calculus), and stains from teeth. Unlike regular brushing and flossing, professional cleaning reaches areas that home care cannot — particularly below the gumline where tartar accumulates. In Manila, dental cleaning is one of the most affordable and important dental procedures, costing ₱500–₱2,500 depending on the clinic and extent of cleaning needed. Regular cleaning every 6 months prevents gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath.
Types of Dental Cleaning
Manila clinics offer several types of cleaning: (1) Regular prophylaxis — for patients with healthy gums and minimal tartar buildup. Takes 30–45 minutes and costs ₱500–₱1,500. (2) Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) — for patients with gum disease. Involves cleaning below the gumline and smoothing root surfaces. Takes 1–2 hours per quadrant and costs ₱1,500–₱3,000 per quadrant. (3) Airflow cleaning — uses a jet of air, water, and fine powder to remove stains and biofilm. Available at select clinics like Elevate Dental in Ortigas. Costs ₱1,500–₱2,500.
Why Regular Cleaning Matters
Regular dental cleaning is the foundation of good oral health. Tartar buildup causes gum inflammation (gingivitis), which can progress to periodontitis — a serious infection that destroys the bone supporting your teeth. Studies link gum disease to heart disease, diabetes, and other systemic conditions. Regular cleaning also removes surface stains from coffee, tea, and tobacco, keeping your smile bright. Most dentists recommend cleaning every 6 months, though patients with gum disease may need quarterly visits.
What to Expect During Cleaning
A typical cleaning begins with an oral examination to check for cavities, gum disease, and other issues. The dentist or hygienist then uses an ultrasonic scaler to break up tartar deposits, followed by hand instruments for stubborn areas. The teeth are polished with a gritty prophylaxis paste to remove surface stains. Some clinics offer fluoride treatment at the end to strengthen enamel. The procedure is generally painless, though patients with sensitive gums may experience mild discomfort during scaling.
Key Benefits
- Prevents gum disease and tooth decay
- Removes tartar that brushing cannot reach
- Brightens teeth by removing surface stains
- Freshens breath by eliminating bacteria
- Early detection of cavities and other issues
Who Should Consider This?
- Everyone — dental cleaning is recommended for all patients every 6 months
- Patients with heavy tartar buildup or gum inflammation
- Those with bad breath that does not improve with brushing
- People who smoke or consume staining foods and beverages regularly
What to Expect
Oral examination
Ultrasonic scaling (tartar removal)
Hand scaling for stubborn deposits
Polishing with prophylaxis paste
Fluoride treatment (optional)
Top Clinics for Dental Cleaning
Frequently Asked Questions
Every 6 months for most patients. Those with gum disease or heavy tartar buildup may need quarterly cleaning. Your dentist will recommend the appropriate frequency.
Regular cleaning is generally painless. Patients with sensitive gums or heavy tartar may experience mild discomfort during scaling. Topical anesthetic can be applied if needed.
Regular cleaning: ₱500–₱1,500. Deep cleaning: ₱1,500–₱3,000 per quadrant. Airflow cleaning: ₱1,500–₱2,500. Prices vary by clinic and extent of cleaning needed.
Cleaning removes surface stains, which can brighten your smile. However, it does not change the natural color of your teeth. For significant whitening, professional bleaching is needed.
Yes — most HMOs (Maxicare, Medicard, Intellicare) cover one or two dental cleanings per year. Check your specific plan for coverage details.
Scaling removes tartar deposits from tooth surfaces and below the gumline. Polishing removes surface stains and smooths tooth surfaces to make them harder for plaque to stick to.
Yes — you can eat immediately after regular cleaning. If fluoride treatment was applied, wait 30 minutes before eating or drinking.
No — professional cleaning does not damage enamel when performed correctly. The instruments used are designed to remove deposits without harming tooth structure.
Airflow cleaning uses a jet of air, water, and fine powder to remove stains and biofilm gently. It is particularly effective for patients with sensitive teeth or dental restorations.
Regular cleaning takes 30–45 minutes. Deep cleaning takes 1–2 hours per quadrant. Airflow cleaning takes 30–60 minutes depending on the extent of staining.
Cleaning (scaling) removes tartar deposits. Polishing removes surface stains and smooths tooth surfaces. Both are typically performed together in a standard prophylaxis appointment.
Cleaning removes surface stains from coffee, tea, and tobacco. It cannot change the intrinsic color of your teeth. For deeper whitening, professional bleaching is needed after cleaning.
Yes — even with excellent brushing and flossing, tartar (hardened plaque) accumulates in areas that are difficult to reach. Only professional cleaning can remove tartar.
Deep cleaning is a non-surgical treatment for gum disease. It involves cleaning below the gumline (scaling) and smoothing root surfaces (root planing) to remove bacteria and promote gum reattachment.
Signs include bleeding gums, gum recession, bad breath, and loose teeth. Your dentist will measure gum pocket depths — pockets deeper than 4mm typically require deep cleaning.
Mild sensitivity after cleaning is normal, especially if you have exposed root surfaces. It typically resolves within 24–48 hours. Desensitizing toothpaste can help.
Fluoride treatment applies a concentrated fluoride gel or varnish to strengthen enamel and prevent cavities. It is recommended for children, patients with high cavity risk, and those with sensitive teeth.
Yes — dental cleaning is especially important with braces as brackets and wires trap food and plaque. Your dentist will use special instruments to clean around brackets and under wires.
Airflow cleaning is the gentlest option for sensitive teeth. It uses a jet of air, water, and fine powder instead of metal instruments, minimizing discomfort during the procedure.
Regular cleaning: ₱500–₱1,500. Deep cleaning: ₱1,500–₱3,000 per quadrant. Airflow cleaning: ₱1,500–₱2,500. Prices vary by clinic and extent of cleaning needed.
Yes — bad breath (halitosis) is often caused by bacteria in tartar deposits and gum pockets. Regular professional cleaning significantly reduces bad breath by eliminating these bacterial sources.
Yes — dental cleaning is safe and recommended during pregnancy. Pregnancy hormones can increase gum inflammation, making regular cleaning especially important for pregnant women.
Avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes if fluoride was applied. Maintain good oral hygiene at home. Schedule your next cleaning in 6 months (or 3 months if you have gum disease).
Regular cleaning can reverse early-stage gum disease (gingivitis). Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) requires deep cleaning and may need additional periodontal treatment.