Korean term: 치석

What is tartar

Cleveland Clinic says tartar is hardened plaque, mostly dead bacteria that have mineralized with minerals from saliva. It can be yellow, brown or black and can turn darker over time. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) explains that food left on the teeth combines with bacteria to form plaque, which takes up calcium from saliva and hardens into tartar.

Cleveland Clinic says untreated tartar makes gum disease, gum recession and cavities much more likely. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) says early gum disease can often be reversed by daily brushing and flossing, while advanced infection can cause loose teeth or tooth loss.

Common causes

Plaque left on the teeth. Cleveland Clinic says plaque that is not removed routinely can turn into tartar, for example when you brush and floss too little.
Sugary foods and drinks. Cleveland Clinic lists them as a risk factor.
Smoking or tobacco. Cleveland Clinic lists it as a risk factor.
Braces and dry mouth. Cleveland Clinic lists both as risk factors.

Treatments clinics in Korea list for tartar buildup

Scaling is the professional removal of tartar. KDCA says an ultrasonic scaler is usually used. The card shows what it is, its downtime per the sources and the lowest regular price in this directory. That price can be for a child or a partial scaling, so check the item in the table. See our scaling page.

Scaling

Professional removal of tartar and bacteria from tooth surfaces and below the gumline.

Downtime (per the sources): Not confirmed in our sources

From ₩30,000 (≈ US$23)A Plus Dental Clinic · Child scaling full mouth · VAT not stated

4 clinics in this directory list a regular price

All prices and clinics

What the sources say about results and limits

Professional removal only. Cleveland Clinic, NIDCR and the American Academy of Periodontology say only a dental professional can remove tartar. Cleveland Clinic warns that removing it yourself can damage your teeth.
After scaling. KDCA lists temporary pain, bleeding, sensitivity, loose-feeling teeth and a feeling that the gums have receded, usually gone within one to two weeks.
Scaling and root planing. Cleveland Clinic says scaling clears tartar above the gumline and root planing smooths the roots below it. Together they are a deep cleaning for mild to moderate gum disease, given with local anaesthetic. Mayo Clinic describes scaling as reaching below the gumline too, so ask what a quoted price includes.

The dentist decides after an examination what you need.

Published prices

The table shows, for each clinic that lists a regular price, its lowest regular price for scaling; items (full mouth, one arch or a section, adult or child), amounts and VAT basis differ between clinics.

Clinic	Scaling
A Plus Dental Clinic	₩30,000 (≈ US$23) VAT not stated · Child scaling full mouth
Lucid Dental Clinic	₩59,000 (≈ US$45) VAT not stated · Scaling, full mouth (non-insured fee)
Standard Dental Clinic Jamsil	₩50,000 (≈ US$38) VAT not stated · Scaling, full mouth (non-insured)
Yonsei Heal Dental Hospital	₩30,000 (≈ US$23) VAT not stated · Scaling, child (non-insured)

Lowest regular price each clinic lists, with its own item and VAT basis.

Questions to ask the clinic

Does the price cover the full mouth, one arch or one section?
Is it scaling only, or also deeper cleaning below the gumline (root planing)?
Which method is used, and is numbing used?
Are the examination or X-rays charged separately?
If you find gum disease, what further treatment and cost would you advise before I agree?
Is VAT included in the written quote? Is it a regular or an event price?

FAQ

Can I remove tartar at home?

No. Cleveland Clinic says you cannot remove tartar with brushing and flossing, only a dentist or dental hygienist can, and doing it yourself can damage your teeth. The American Academy of Periodontology says calculus cannot be removed with a toothbrush, only by a dental professional during a cleaning.

How often should tartar be removed?

Cleveland Clinic says most people need a cleaning about every six months, more often if prone to decay or gum disease. Korea's National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) advises scaling at least once a year. KDCA says severe, poorly controlled gum disease may need it every three months. Your dentist sets the schedule.

Is scaling the same as a deep cleaning?

Not always. Cleveland Clinic says scaling removes tartar above the gumline and root planing smooths the roots below it; together they are a deep cleaning for gum disease. Mayo Clinic describes scaling as reaching below the gumline too. Ask the clinic what its price covers.

Does Korean insurance cover scaling for visitors?

National health insurance covers one scaling per calendar year for enrolled people aged 19 and over, when the visit is for scaling only (as of October 2026). Foreign nationals enrol through alien registration and residence conditions. Visitors who are not enrolled pay the clinic's non-covered price.

Tartar buildup: what it is and what clinics in Korea list for it