Getting your teeth professionally cleaned is one of the simplest ways to protect your long-term oral health.
It helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and bad breath while keeping your smile fresh.
However, in Germany, professional dental cleanings often have a price tag that makes people hesitate.
A single session can cost between €100 and €150, depending on the dentist, your location, and the type of cleaning required.
And while public health insurance (GKV) usually doesn’t cover the full cost, there are ways to reduce what you pay out of pocket.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- What a dental cleaning includes
- How much it typically costs in Germany
- What public, private, and supplemental dental insurance plans cover
- How often you should get a cleaning
- The pros and cons of the procedure
- And our 7 best tips for making dental cleanings more affordable
By the end, you’ll know exactly what to expect—and how to keep your teeth clean without breaking the bank.
What is a dental cleaning?
A dental cleaning is a routine procedure that helps keep your teeth and gums healthy.
During the visit, a dentist or dental hygienist removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria from your teeth. This helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems. They may also provide extra preventive care, such as fluoride treatments or dental sealants.
There are three main types of dental cleanings, depending on your oral health:
1. Prophylaxis
This is a routine cleaning for people with generally healthy teeth and gums. It focuses on preventing dental issues and is the most common type of cleaning.
2. Scaling and root planing
Also called a deep cleaning, this is used for patients with mild to moderate gum disease (periodontitis).
It involves cleaning deep below the gum line and around tooth roots. Local anesthesia is usually given to numb the gums during the procedure.
3. Gross debridement
This type is for people who haven’t had a cleaning done in over a year or have had heavy plaque buildup.
It’s similar to prophylaxis but may take more time. The goal is to clear the teeth enough to check for hidden problems.
How much does dental cleaning cost in Germany?
A professional tooth cleaning in Germany costs around €100 to €120 per session. This service is billed according to the private fee schedule for dentists (GOZ), specifically under item 1040.
Most dental practices use a standard billing rate of 2.3 times the base fee in the GOZ. This rate reflects a typical cleaning without complications and averages about €3.62 per tooth. If the cleaning is more complex or there are complications, dentists may charge up to 3.5 times the base rate—about €5.51 per tooth.
The final bill can vary since the total cost depends on the number of teeth. Bridges and implants are counted the same as natural teeth in this calculation. If your total bill is more than €150, comparing quotes from other dental practices is a good idea.
Other factors that can affect the price include:
- Location: Prices may be higher in large cities or high-demand areas.
- Experience of the dentist: More experienced professionals may charge more.
- Type of cleaning needed: A basic cleaning removes plaque and polishes the teeth, while a deep cleaning can include root smoothing to treat gum disease. If anesthetics are required for deep cleaning, this can increase the cost.
How much of dental cleaning costs are covered by German insurance?
In Germany, the cost of a professional dental cleaning often appears on the dentist’s invoice—but that doesn’t always reflect what you’ll pay.
Many health insurance providers offer partial coverage through subsidies or bonus programs.
Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to pay, depending on your type of insurance:
What does public health insurance (GKV) cover?
Professional teeth cleaning is not part of the standard services covered by public health insurance.
However, some public insurers now offer partial or full reimbursement.
Here are examples from some of Germany’s largest statutory health funds:
| Insurance fund | Teeth cleaning benefits |
| BARMER | Covers removal of tartar once a year. |
| TK | Covers up to €40/year. |
| DAK | Covers up to €60/year, or free at certain dentists. |
| AOK | Covers up to €50/year, depending on your local branch. |
What does supplemental dental insurance cover?
Since public coverage for dental cleanings is limited, many people choose supplemental dental insurance to reduce out-of-pocket costs. Coverage depends on your provider and the specific plan.
For example, Feather offers the following coverage:
- Basic Plan: €150 per year for dental cleanings
- Advanced Plan: €200 per year, with a 20% copay. For example, if your cleaning costs €100, you pay €20, and we cover €80. You can submit multiple cleanings per year until you reach the €200 limit
What does private health insurance cover?
Private health insurance usually provides more generous dental benefits, but coverage depends on the provider and plan.
At Feather, we offer:
- On our Standard plan: 1 cleaning per year
- On our Plus plan: 2 cleanings per year
- On our Premium plan: Unlimited cleanings per year
What does expat (incoming) insurance cover?
Coverage for dental cleaning also varies on short-term health insurance plans.
Here’s what that looks like at Feather:
- Basic Expat Plan: No coverage for cleanings
- Premium Expat Plan: €100 per year for cleanings
- Long-Term Expat Plans (after a 6-month waiting period):
- Basic: €750 annual allowance for routine dental care
- Premium: €1,125 annual allowance
- Basic: €750 annual allowance for routine dental care
When should you get dental cleanings?
The standard advice is to get your teeth cleaned every six months.
While this works well for many, it may not be necessary for everyone. The right schedule depends on oral health, habits, and risk factors.
If you’re in good health and have no underlying conditions like diabetes or heart disease, a professional cleaning once a year may be sufficient. But even then, this only works if you:
- Brush twice a day
- Floss daily
- Eat a balanced diet low in sugar.
- Use fluoride toothpaste or drink fluoridated water.
Some people are at higher risk for dental problems and may need cleanings every six months—or more often. This includes people who:
- Smoke or use tobacco
- Have diabetes
- Have a family history of gum disease
- Experience dry mouth
- Wear braces or dentures
- Skip flossing or brush less than twice a day
- Frequently consume sugary foods or drinks
- Visit the dentist only when in pain
- Regularly get new cavities or fillings
- Have multiple cavities “under watch”
If any of these apply to you, a twice-yearly schedule—or more—may help prevent serious issues like tooth decay or gum disease.
Pros & cons of dental cleanings
Pros
- Stops gum disease: This procedure helps treat and slow the progression of gum disease by removing harmful plaque and bacteria.
- Promotes healing: It cleans above and below the gumline, allowing infected gums to heal.
- Fights bad breath: Bad breath caused by gum disease often improves after deep cleaning.
- Protects tooth roots: By removing buildup around the roots, deep cleaning helps prevent further damage.
- Prevents tooth loss: Treating gum disease early can reduce the risk of losing teeth.
- Supports healthy gums: Healthier gums mean stronger support for your teeth.
Cons
While generally safe, deep cleanings do have some risks and side effects:
- Pain and sensitivity: You may feel discomfort during and after the procedure, especially in sensitive areas.
- Gum recession: Cleaning below the gumline can sometimes cause gums to pull back slightly.
- Infection risk: There’s a slight chance of infection, especially if you have a weakened immune system, heart issues, or artificial body parts.
- Bacteria in the bloodstream: Oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream during the procedure. If you’re in a high-risk group, your dentist might prescribe antibiotics.
- There is no guarantee of gum reattachment. Deep cleaning helps manage gum disease but doesn’t always result in the gums reattaching to the teeth.
- Rare complications: In very rare cases, nerve damage can occur.
Ultimately, deep cleanings are low-risk and highly effective for most people.
5 tips for more affordable dental cleanings
1. Look out for promotions
If you only need a cleaning and no other procedures, search online for special offers. Some websites feature discounted dental services for first-time patients. Many dental offices also provide reduced rates if you book multiple appointments simultaneously.
2. Maintain good oral hygiene
Brushing and flossing regularly is one of the easiest ways to save money on dental cleanings. When your teeth are well cared for, cleanings take less time and effort, which often means lower costs.
3. Compare quotes
Don’t settle on the first dentist you find. Contact a few offices and ask for price estimates on cleanings. These quotes are usually non-binding and can help you find a fair rate.
4. Check your health insurance benefits
Some health insurance plans cover all or part of the cost of professional cleanings. If you’re unsure what your plan includes, contact your provider directly.
Coverage may have changed, and you could be missing out on benefits.
5. Get supplemental dental insurance
Dental insurance may pay for itself if you’re planning to get even one professional cleaning. In many cases, the cost of a single cleaning is equal to or more than a full year of insurance premiums.
Plus, cleanings aren’t considered a pre-existing condition—so you can sign up for coverage today and use it for a cleaning as soon as tomorrow.
Just make sure the plan includes cleanings without strict limits.
Dental insurance in Germany from €10.90 per month
