![Teeth Cleaning Cost in the Philippines [2026 Price Guide]](/_next/image?url=%2Fblog-images%2Fteeth-cleaning-cost-philippines.jpeg&w=3840&q=75)
Quick Answer: Professional teeth cleaning (oral prophylaxis) in the Philippines costs ₱300-₱500 at budget clinics, ₱800-₱1,500 at mid-range clinics, and ₱1,500-₱3,000+ at premium clinics. Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) costs ₱1,500-₱7,000. PhilHealth now covers teeth cleaning twice a year at accredited clinics — completely free at public clinics, with up to ₱1,500 co-payment at private clinics.
Table of Contents
- What Is Professional Teeth Cleaning?
- Teeth Cleaning Prices by Clinic Type
- Deep Cleaning Costs
- Price Comparison by City
- PhilHealth Coverage for Teeth Cleaning
- How Often Should You Get Teeth Cleaned?
- What to Expect During a Cleaning
- FAQs
Introduction
Professional teeth cleaning — formally called oral prophylaxis — is the most common dental procedure in the Philippines. Despite its importance for preventing cavities, gum disease, and bad breath, many Filipinos skip regular cleanings because they are unsure about the cost or do not know that PhilHealth now covers it.
The good news: teeth cleaning is affordable at most Philippine clinics, and PhilHealth's Preventive Oral Health Services Package (approved December 2024) covers two cleanings per year at accredited clinics. If you visit a public dental clinic, it is completely free.
This guide breaks down teeth cleaning costs across every clinic type, from free government options to premium private clinics, so you can find the right option for your budget.
What Is Professional Teeth Cleaning?
Professional teeth cleaning (oral prophylaxis) is the removal of plaque and tartar (calculus) from your teeth by a dentist or dental hygienist. Plaque is the sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth daily. When plaque hardens, it becomes tartar, which cannot be removed by brushing alone — it requires professional tools.
Regular cleaning prevents cavities, gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis), and bad breath. It also removes surface stains caused by coffee, tea, and smoking, making your teeth look cleaner and brighter.
Regular cleaning vs. deep cleaning: Regular teeth cleaning addresses the tooth surfaces above the gumline. Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) goes below the gumline to clean the tooth roots and is prescribed for patients with gum disease or heavy tartar buildup. Deep cleaning costs significantly more.
Teeth Cleaning Prices by Clinic Type
Government Health Centers (Free-₱300)
Government-run dental clinics — at the barangay, city, or municipal level — offer teeth cleaning at minimal or no cost for local residents.
- Quezon City Health Department Dental Clinics: Free for QC residents
- Manila City Health Department Dental Services: Free for Manila residents
- Barangay health stations: Free basic services with PhilHealth
Trade-off: Long wait times are common due to high demand and limited dentists. The Philippines has a severe dental workforce shortage — one dentist per 53,000 Filipinos versus the WHO-recommended ratio of 1:7,500.
Dental School Clinics (Free-₱500)
University dental clinics offer professional cleaning at heavily discounted rates because student dentists perform the procedures under faculty supervision.
- UP College of Dentistry (Pedro Gil St., Ermita, Manila): Below ₱500
- Centro Escolar University Dental Clinic (Mendiola St., Manila): Often free
- UST Faculty of Dentistry (España Blvd., Manila): Well below private rates
- FEU-NRMF Dental Clinic (Regalado Ave., Quezon City): Discounted rates
All procedures are supervised by licensed faculty dentists using standard-quality materials and sterilization protocols — the same standards as private clinics.
Budget Private Clinics (₱300-₱500)
Several dental chains offer affordable cleaning across Metro Manila and major cities:
- SmileCare Dental Clinics: ₱300-₱500 (multiple branches, Metro Manila)
- Dental World Manila: ₱300-₱500 (branches in Makati, Pasay, Quezon City)
- Asian Sun Dental Clinic: Budget-friendly (Congressional Ave., QC)
Budget clinics in Davao and Cebu also offer cleaning starting at ₱300.
Mid-Range Private Clinics (₱800-₱1,500)
This is the most common price bracket for professional teeth cleaning at private dental clinics:
- Smiles R' Us Dental Centre (Las Piñas): ₱1,000 (regular); ₱2,500 (heavy stain); ₱900 (child); ₱1,500 (child + fluoride)
- Smile More Dental Clinic (Ermita, Manila): ₱1,000-₱3,000 (priced by plaque level: light, moderate, heavy)
- Most private clinics nationwide: ₱800-₱1,200 for basic cleaning
Many mid-range clinics classify cleaning by plaque severity — light plaque costs less, heavy plaque costs more.
Premium Clinics (₱1,500-₱3,000+)
Premium clinics offer advanced cleaning methods and a more comfortable experience:
- Modern Smiles: ₱1,500 (mild), ₱2,000 (moderate), ₱2,500 (severe), ₱3,000 (deep scale)
- Modern Smiles Airflow Cleaning: ₱4,500 (mild), ₱5,000 (moderate), ₱5,500 (severe)
- Sacred Heart Dental Clinic (Manila): ₱2,000 (upper and lower); check-up is free
Airflow cleaning uses a jet of compressed air, water, and fine powder to remove stains and plaque more gently than traditional scaling. It is faster and more comfortable but costs significantly more.
Hospital-Based Dental Departments (₱1,000-₱2,500)
Hospital dental departments charge prices comparable to mid-range private clinics. Expect ₱1,000-₱2,500 for cleaning, often with an additional consultation fee of ₱300-₱1,000.
Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing) Costs
Deep cleaning is prescribed when regular cleaning is not enough — typically for patients with gum disease, deep pockets between teeth and gums, or heavy tartar buildup below the gumline.
| Severity | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Light to moderate | ₱1,500-₱3,000 |
| Extensive/severe | ₱3,000-₱7,000 |
| Per quadrant pricing | ₱1,500-₱3,500 per quadrant |
| Per tooth (1-3 teeth) | ₱1,500 |
Additional costs to consider:
- Consultation fee: ₱300-₱1,000
- X-rays (if needed): ₱500-₱1,500
- Fluoride application or polishing: ₱500-₱1,000
Deep cleaning is typically done in 2-4 sessions (one quadrant per session), so the total cost can add up. Ask your dentist for a complete treatment plan with itemized costs before starting.
Price Comparison by City
| City | Budget | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro Manila | ₱300-₱500 | ₱800-₱1,500 | ₱1,500-₱3,000+ |
| Cebu City | ₱300-₱500 | ₱500-₱1,000 | ₱1,000-₱1,500 |
| Davao City | ₱300-₱500 | ₱500-₱1,000 | ₱1,000-₱1,500 |
| Provincial areas | ₱200-₱400 | ₱500-₱1,000 | ₱1,000-₱1,500 |
Metro Manila is the most expensive market, with premium clinic prices running ₱1,500-₱3,000+. Cebu and Davao pricing is very similar to each other and generally 20-30% lower than Manila at the mid-range and premium tiers. Provincial areas offer the lowest prices overall.
For dental clinics in specific cities, check our guides for Cebu, Davao, and Manila.
PhilHealth Coverage for Teeth Cleaning
PhilHealth's Preventive Oral Health Services Package — approved in December 2024 — covers professional teeth cleaning for all members and their dependents.
What Is Covered
- Mouth examination and oral screening
- Oral prophylaxis (professional teeth cleaning)
- Fluoride varnish application
- Pit and fissure sealants (max 2 teeth per year)
- Class V procedures/cervical fillings (max 2 teeth per year)
- Emergency tooth extraction
How Much Does PhilHealth Pay?
PhilHealth pays a maximum of ₱1,000 per member per year:
| Visit | Coverage | Minimum Wait |
|---|---|---|
| First visit (exam + cleaning + fluoride) | ₱300 | — |
| Second visit (same services) | ₱300 | 4 months after first visit |
| Sealants or Class V per tooth | ₱200 | Max 2 teeth/year |
Co-Payment Rules
- At public dental clinics (government health centers): Completely FREE — no co-payment required
- At private dental clinics: Up to ₱1,500 co-payment per visit for exam and cleaning
How to Claim
- Verify your active PhilHealth membership (via website, mobile app, or Local Health Insurance Office)
- Find a PhilHealth-accredited dental clinic (search on ClinicFinderPH or via philhealth.gov.ph)
- Bring: PhilHealth ID, valid government ID, and PhilHealth Claim Form 1
- Tell the clinic staff before treatment that you want to use PhilHealth benefits
- Pay any applicable co-payment — the clinic handles the claim filing
Important: Coverage extends to the member plus qualified dependents (spouse and children under 21, or older if disabled). Each person gets their own individual annual allocation.
What PhilHealth Does NOT Cover
Braces, teeth whitening, dental implants, veneers, dentures, root canals, non-emergency extractions, and all cosmetic procedures.
For more details on PhilHealth dental benefits, see our complete PhilHealth dental benefits guide.
How Often Should You Get Teeth Cleaned?
The standard recommendation is twice a year (every 6 months), which aligns with PhilHealth's coverage of two visits per year spaced at least 4 months apart.
More frequent cleaning (every 3-4 months) is recommended if you have:
- Periodontal (gum) disease
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Heavy tartar buildup
- A history of frequent cavities
- Smoking habit
Annual cost estimate at mid-range clinics: ₱2,000-₱6,000 per year for twice-yearly cleanings (before PhilHealth coverage).
What to Expect During a Cleaning
A professional teeth cleaning appointment typically takes 15 minutes to 1 hour, depending on how much plaque and tartar has built up. Here is what happens:
- Assessment — The dentist reviews your medical history and examines your mouth
- Oral screening — Visual check for any signs of oral cancer, gum disease, or other issues
- Scaling — Using an ultrasonic scaler or hand instruments, the dentist removes plaque and tartar from tooth surfaces and along the gumline. You may feel scraping or vibration, but it should not be painful
- Polishing — A polishing paste with a rotating brush removes remaining plaque and surface stains, leaving teeth smooth
- Flossing — Cleaning between teeth with dental floss
- Fluoride treatment (optional) — Applied to strengthen enamel and prevent cavities
- Final check — The dentist performs a full examination and discusses findings, treatment recommendations, and when to schedule your next visit
Is teeth cleaning painful? For most people, no. You may feel some sensitivity or minor discomfort during scaling, especially if there is significant tartar buildup or if you have sensitive teeth. Deep cleaning can be more uncomfortable and may require local anesthesia.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is teeth cleaning in the Philippines?
Professional teeth cleaning in the Philippines costs ₱300-₱500 at budget clinics, ₱800-₱1,500 at mid-range private clinics, and ₱1,500-₱3,000+ at premium clinics. Government health centers and dental school clinics offer free or heavily discounted cleaning. The price depends on the clinic tier, your location, and the amount of plaque/tartar buildup.
Does PhilHealth cover teeth cleaning?
Yes. Since December 2024, PhilHealth's Preventive Oral Health Services Package covers teeth cleaning (oral prophylaxis) twice per year for all members and dependents. At public dental clinics, it is completely free. At private accredited clinics, you may pay a co-payment of up to ₱1,500. PhilHealth pays up to ₱1,000 per member per year for dental services.
How often should I get my teeth cleaned?
Dentists recommend professional teeth cleaning every 6 months (twice a year). If you have gum disease, diabetes, or other risk factors, your dentist may recommend cleaning every 3-4 months. PhilHealth covers 2 cleanings per year, spaced at least 4 months apart, which aligns with the standard recommendation.
What is the difference between regular cleaning and deep cleaning?
Regular cleaning (oral prophylaxis) removes plaque and tartar from the visible surfaces of your teeth above the gumline. It costs ₱300-₱3,000 depending on the clinic. Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) goes below the gumline to clean tooth roots and is prescribed for patients with gum disease. It costs ₱1,500-₱7,000 and is typically done over multiple sessions.
Where can I get free teeth cleaning in the Philippines?
You can get free teeth cleaning at government health centers (barangay and city dental clinics) if you are a local resident, especially with PhilHealth coverage. Dental school clinics at UP, CEU, UST, and FEU-NRMF also offer free or very low-cost cleaning performed by supervised student dentists. PhilHealth covers cleaning at all accredited public dental facilities with zero co-payment.
Is teeth cleaning painful?
Regular teeth cleaning is generally not painful. You may feel some sensitivity or minor discomfort during scaling, especially if there is heavy tartar buildup or if you have sensitive teeth or gums. Deep cleaning below the gumline can be more uncomfortable and may require local anesthesia. If you experience significant discomfort during cleaning, let your dentist know — they can adjust their technique.
Conclusion
Professional teeth cleaning in the Philippines is affordable and now partially covered by PhilHealth. At the budget end, you can get a quality cleaning for ₱300-₱500 at private clinics or completely free at government health centers and dental school clinics. Mid-range clinics charge ₱800-₱1,500, and premium clinics with advanced technology like Airflow cleaning go up to ₱3,000+.
The most important takeaway: PhilHealth now covers teeth cleaning twice a year. If you are a PhilHealth member, you are leaving money on the table by not using this benefit. Find a PhilHealth-accredited dental clinic and schedule your cleaning — your teeth and your wallet will thank you.
Looking for dental clinics near you? Check our city guides for Cebu, Davao, and Manila.
Ready to book a cleaning? Browse dental clinics on ClinicFinderPH to compare prices, services, and PhilHealth accreditation.