Short answer
Professional scaling removes hardened tartar that a toothbrush cannot, and when done properly it does not damage enamel or loosen healthy teeth. As of October 2026, Cairo clinic listings show a regular scaling and polishing at roughly 750–3,000 EGP, with deep cleaning under the gums often 1,500–4,000 EGP or more. How often you need it depends on your gums, typically every 6–12 months.
Many people put off teeth cleaning because of a story they heard: that scaling "thins the enamel", "makes gaps between the teeth" or "loosens the teeth". The reality is the opposite. Scaling removes tartar (جير الأسنان), the hard mineral deposit that keeps your gums inflamed; it does not remove tooth. Done with the right instruments and technique, it is one of the simplest ways to protect both your teeth and your gums.
Below you will find what scaling involves, what it typically costs in Cairo, how deep cleaning differs from a regular clean, and how to handle the sensitivity some people feel afterwards.
What is teeth scaling and why is tartar a problem?
Plaque is a soft layer of bacteria that forms on the teeth every day. If it is not fully removed, minerals from saliva harden it into tartar within days, especially behind the lower front teeth and on the outside of the upper molars. Tartar is rough and porous, so more plaque sticks to it, and it sits right against the gum, keeping it red and bleeding.
A toothbrush cannot remove tartar. During scaling, the dentist uses an ultrasonic scaler (a vibrating tip with a water spray) and fine hand instruments to lift it off, then polishes the teeth so they are smooth and harder for plaque to stick to.
Does scaling damage teeth or enamel?
No, not when done properly. Ultrasonic scalers are designed to break up tartar, which is much softer than enamel, and the instrument is kept moving along the tooth surface. These are the common myths and what is actually happening:
| What people say | What is really happening |
|---|---|
| "Scaling made gaps between my teeth" | The gaps were already there, filled with tartar. Once it is removed, you feel the real shape of your teeth and gums, sometimes after gum shrinkage caused by the inflammation. |
| "My teeth felt loose after cleaning" | Heavy tartar can act like a splint. Teeth that were already loosened by gum disease may feel more mobile until the gums tighten as they heal. |
| "Cleaning made my teeth sensitive" | Roots previously covered by tartar are now exposed to air and cold. This usually settles within days to a few weeks. |
| "My gums bled a lot during cleaning" | Inflamed gums bleed easily. Bleeding typically reduces markedly within one to two weeks after the tartar is gone. |
The real damage comes from not cleaning: tartar under the gum gradually destroys the bone that holds the teeth, which is how gum disease leads to tooth loss.
How much does teeth cleaning cost in Egypt?
As of October 2026, public listings from private clinics in Cairo and Giza show the following ranges. The exact cost depends on an examination of how much tartar there is, how deep it goes and whether your gums need a deeper treatment.
| Type of cleaning | What it involves | Range in Cairo listings (Oct 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Regular scaling and polishing | Removing tartar above and just below the gum line, polishing | about 750–3,000 EGP |
| Discount offers on booking platforms | Usually a basic scaling and polishing package | from about 800 EGP |
| Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) | Cleaning root surfaces inside gum pockets, often under local anaesthetic, area by area | about 1,500–4,000 EGP or more, depending on how many areas |
A few older listings show much lower figures; these may be out of date or limited offers. International comparison sites put teeth cleaning in Egypt at roughly USD 30–120, which is consistent with the ranges above.
What changes the price of teeth cleaning?
- The amount of tartar and staining, for example in smokers or heavy tea and coffee drinkers.
- Whether tartar is only above the gums or deep below them.
- Whether local anaesthetic and several visits are needed.
- Add-ons such as air polishing for stains, fluoride application, or X-rays.
Deep cleaning vs regular cleaning: which do I need?
A regular scaling is for gums that are basically healthy or mildly inflamed (gingivitis). Deep cleaning is needed when gum disease has created pockets where tartar sits on the roots below the gum line (periodontitis). The dentist decides this by measuring the pockets and, if needed, checking bone levels on X-ray, not by how the teeth look from the outside. If your gums bleed often, read bleeding gums: causes and treatment.
Deep cleaning is usually done under local anaesthetic, one or two areas of the mouth per visit, and the gums are re-checked several weeks later.
How often should you get your teeth scaled?
There is no single interval that suits everyone. UK national guidance recommends that the gap between dental check-ups be set individually, anywhere from 3 to 24 months for adults, based on each person's risk (NICE: dental recall). In practice:
- Healthy gums, little tartar: often every 6–12 months.
- Smokers, people with diabetes, or those who form tartar quickly: often every 3–6 months.
- After treatment for periodontitis: maintenance usually every 3–4 months at first.
More on check-up intervals is in how often should I see a dentist?
Sensitivity and care after scaling
Mild sensitivity to cold and slightly tender gums for a few days are common, especially after heavy tartar is removed. These steps help:
- Use a soft toothbrush and a toothpaste for sensitive teeth, and spit without rinsing.
- Avoid very cold or very hot drinks for the first day or two if they bother you.
- Keep cleaning between the teeth even if the gums bleed a little at first.
- Rinse with warm salt water if the gums feel sore, unless advised otherwise.
Sensitivity that gets worse rather than better after two to three weeks should be checked. Our page on tooth sensitivity explains other causes.
Who should tell the dentist before scaling?
Tell the dentist if you take blood thinners, have a heart condition for which you were told to take antibiotics before dental work, have a pacemaker, or are pregnant. Cleaning is usually still possible, sometimes with small adjustments.
How cleaning is approached at El Nabi Dental Clinic
If you have avoided cleaning because of past pain, embarrassment about tartar, or fear of being told you need a long list of treatments, you are not alone. Prof. Nouran examines your gums personally before any cleaning, explains whether you need a regular or a deep clean and why, and gives you the cost in writing first. As a prosthodontist, she also checks how crowns, bridges and dentures sit against the gums, since poorly fitting work is a common reason tartar keeps coming back.
You can message us on WhatsApp to book a cleaning, or see our general dentistry page for what a check-up and cleaning include.
Recognise yourself in this?
Send us a message or a photo of your X-ray on WhatsApp. Prof. Nouran will look at your case and give you a clear plan, with no pressure to start.
