Getting your teeth cleaned is a fundamental aspect of maintaining oral health, helping to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues. The cost of a professional routine cleaning can be affordable, depending on your budget, but teeth cleaning should happen consistently, typically twice a year or more depending on your oral health. That can get expensive, especially for a family without dental insurance. 

If you have dental insurance, the teeth cleaning cost is typically covered at 100% (no extra cost to you, and no deducible to meet. That’s because routine dental cleaning– along with regular checkups – are so critical to maintaining healthy teeth and gums that insurance companies do everything they can to encourage people to get regular preventive care. 

Even if you don’t have a dental insurance plan, you should try to find a way to get preventive dental care. Regular teeth cleaning and preventive dentistry will save you a lot of money and grief in the future. This article shares tips and information that will empower you to access the dental care you need. 

Average Cost of Teeth Cleaning Without Insurance

National average cost of teeth cleaning

The cost of a teeth cleaning without insurance typically costs about $200. This price can vary based on factors such as the dentist’s location, the complexity of the cleaning (a deep dental cleaning costs more), and the specific services included in the cleaning process. In areas where the cost of living is low, the cost of a cleaning can be as low as $75. And some dentists may offer new patients a discount on their first exam and cleaning at a practice.  

Cost of a “deep cleaning” (Scaling and root planing)

Deep cleanings, which your dentist will probably refer to as “scaling and root planing,” is a procedure that involves cleaning the root surfaces of teeth. Lasers are sometimes used in this procedure, and some patients also receive antimicrobial medications. The removal of dental plaque and hardened calculus (tartar) from tooth surfaces that lie under the gums is sometimes enough to resolve a patient’s gum disease—especially when followed up with a conscientious maintenance program. This type of dental procedure may be performed by your general dentist, or by a periodontist, a dental specialist who focuses on prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases that affect the gums.

On average, the cost of a dental deep cleaning ranges from $150 to $350 per quadrant (a quadrant is one-fourth of your mouth, typically divided into upper right, upper left, lower right, and lower left). A full-mouth deep cleaning could cost between $600 and $1,400, and if gum disease is advanced your dentist or periodontist may need to repeat the procedure. 

Ways to reduce teeth cleaning costs without insurance

Dental schools and clinics

Dental schools are an excellent option for affordable teeth cleaning. Students perform the cleanings under the supervision of experienced faculty, providing quality care at reduced rates. These institutions offer services at a fraction of the cost charged by private dental practices.

Community health centers

Community health centers often provide dental services, including teeth cleanings, on a sliding fee scale based on income. 

Join a dental savings plan

Dental insurance is a great option to save on preventive care. And there’s no better way to reduce the cost of dental care than regular cleanings and checkups.  If you develop a cavity, it costs an average of $200-$400 to have it filled. You may also need to factor in the cost of a dental exam with x-rays, and sedation/anesthesia as needed.  But if you let that dental decay progress untreated, the costs can mount quickly. The most common dental treatment performed on badly decayed teeth is a root canal, which typically costs $700 to $1,300. The crown that you’re likely going to need after the root canal will cost an additional $800-1,000+. If your tooth/teeth are beyond saving, dentures or dental bridges typically cost from $3,000 to $4,500. A single dental implant, which is often the preferred treatment option as it can reduce bone loss in the jaw, can cost $2,450. 

If you’ve skipped regular dental care because you don’t have insurance, you probably need more than preventive care. Dental savings plans are often your best option to regain and maintain your dental health. These plans don’t have deductibles, annual limits nor do they require waiting before you qualify for reduced rates. You can use your plan within 1-3 business days of joining to save on virtually all your dental care. Plan members report saving an average of 50%* on their dental care.

There are plans that fit every dental care need and budget. The quickest way to find the perfect dental plan for your needs is with this online dental plan finder — just answer a few quick questions and you’ll receive a personalized plan recommendation in minutes. Want a quick peek at how much you can save on your dental care right now? Use the calculator at the bottom of this page. 

Government Programs

Several government programs offer free or low-cost dental care to eligible individuals. Medicaid, for example, provides dental coverage for low-income individuals and families, although coverage varies by state. The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) also offers dental benefits for children in low-income households.

Nonprofit Organizations

Nonprofit organizations often provide free or low-cost dental services through clinics or events. Organizations such as the Dental Lifeline Network and Mission of Mercy offer dental care to those in need, helping to alleviate the financial burden of dental treatments.

Maintaining oral hygiene between professional cleanings

Effective Daily Oral Care Routines

Maintaining an effective daily oral care routine is essential for keeping your teeth and gums healthy between each professional dental cleaning. This routine should include brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and – if your dentist recommends – using an antiseptic mouthwash to reduce bacteria and plaque.

Using the right products can enhance your oral hygiene routine. Electric toothbrushes can be more effective at removing plaque than manual brushes. Interdental brushes or water flossers can help clean between teeth and below the gum line, areas often missed by regular flossing.

What to expect during a professional teeth cleaning

What happens during teeth cleaning treatments?

A professional teeth cleaning typically involves several steps:

1. Examination: The dentist or hygienist examines your mouth for signs of oral health issues.
2. Scaling: Plaque and tartar are removed from the teeth’s surface and below the gum line using specialized tools.
3. Polishing: The teeth are polished to remove surface stains and make it harder for plaque to build up.
4. Fluoride Treatment: A fluoride treatment may be applied to strengthen the teeth and prevent decay.

Tips for a comfortable experience

To ensure a comfortable teeth cleaning experience, consider the following tips:

• Communicate: Let your hygienist know if you have any dental anxiety or concerns. They can take steps to make you more comfortable.
• Schedule Regular Appointments: Regular cleanings can help prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar, making each visit easier and more comfortable.
• Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Maintaining a good oral hygiene routine at home can reduce the amount of plaque and tartar that need to be removed during cleanings.

Feeling nervous about seeing the dentist? Check out these tips for managing dental anxiety.

Final thoughts: Saving money on teeth cleaning

Teeth cleaning is a vital component of maintaining oral health, but the cost without insurance can be a concern. Understanding the average costs, factors influencing these costs, and ways to reduce expenses can help manage the financial aspect of dental care.

Prioritizing oral health is essential, even if you don’t have dental insurance. Regular teeth cleanings can prevent more severe and expensive dental issues in the future. A dental savings plan can help make dental care far more affordable for people who are uninsured or underinsured. By taking advantage of available resources like dental insurance alternatives, and maintaining good oral hygiene practices, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy, affordably. 

All cost averages obtained from DentalPlans.com procedure search tool, and independent research.

*Discount Health Program consumer and provider surveys indicate average savings of 50%. Savings may vary by provider, location, and plan.