Plaque
A soft, colourless film of bacteria.
- Removed by brushing and flossing
- Feeds on sugar and makes acid
- Causes cavities and gum inflammation
Gangnam Seoul · Plaque & tartar removal in English
Plaque & Tartar Removal in Gangnam Seoul
Rough, yellowish build-up near your gums or bleeding when you brush? A professional cleaning removes plaque and tartar and gives your gums a fresh start.
In short: plaque is a sticky film of bacteria on your teeth; when it hardens it becomes tartar (calculus), which only a dentist can remove. Treatment is professional scaling, and deep cleaning (root planing) if tartar has spread below the gums. Removing it protects you from cavities and gum disease.
English-speaking team · Saturday appointments · Cheongdam Station Exit 14
Since 1996
30 years of cleanings in Gangnam
- SNU-trained Every dentist trained at Seoul National University
- In English Every step explained in English
- ADA standards Infection control to ADA standards
- NHIS · TRICARE Korean NHIS, TRICARE Dental and major private insurers
Understanding plaque
What is plaque, and why remove it?
Plaque forms on everyone's teeth every day. Brushing and flossing remove most of it, but what is missed can harden into tartar within days.
Tartar irritates the gums and holds more bacteria, leading to bleeding gums, bad breath, cavities and, in time, gum disease.
Tartar (calculus)
Hardened plaque, often yellow or brown.
- Cannot be brushed away
- Builds up near and below the gums
- Removed by professional scaling
Warning signs
Signs of plaque and tartar build-up
- Rough feeling near the gum line
- Yellow or brown deposits
- Gums that bleed when brushing
- Persistent bad breath
- Red or swollen gums
Higher risk
What makes build-up worse
- Skipping flossing
- Sugary drinks and snacks
- Smoking
- Crowded teeth or braces
- Long gaps between cleanings
How we treat it
Plaque treatment, step by step.
Most people need only a routine cleaning; deeper build-up takes a little longer.
- 1
Examination
Teeth and gums checked; X-rays if needed.
First visit - 2
Scaling
Tartar removed above and just below the gums.
Same visit - 3
Polishing
Surfaces smoothed and surface stains lifted.
Same visit - 4
Root planing, if needed
Deep cleaning under local anaesthetic.
1–2 visits - 5
Maintenance
Regular cleanings keep tartar away.
Every 6–12 months
Options at a glance
Plaque treatment options in Gangnam, Seoul
Your dentist confirms which level you need after the examination.
| Treatment | What it involves |
|---|---|
| Scaling (with NHIS) | Routine removal of plaque and tartar |
| Deep cleaning (root planing) | Below-gum cleaning, depending on severity |
| Additional polishing / stain removal | Extra cleaning; method confirmed at your visit |
Costs depend on your diagnosis and the treatment you choose. After your examination we give you a written, itemised quote in English before any treatment begins.
For international patients
Plaque treatment while in Seoul
A routine cleaning takes one visit. Deep cleaning is usually finished within a week.
- Expats & residents: NHIS partly covers one scaling a year.
- U.S. military families: we work with the TRICARE Dental Program.
- Visitors: English receipts and treatment notes for your insurer.
A typical visit plan
- Before you arrive
Book by WhatsApp or email.
- Day 1
Exam, scaling and polishing.
- Days 1–7
Deep cleaning if needed.
- Ongoing
Cleanings every 6–12 months.
Prevention
Stopping plaque coming back
Gums often feel tender for a day or two. Then:
- Brush twice a day, angled at the gum line
- Floss or use interdental brushes daily
- Cut down on sugary drinks
- Rinse with water after meals
- Book cleanings every 6–12 months
Questions patients ask us
Plaque & tartar FAQ
Can I remove tartar at home?
No. Once plaque hardens into tartar it needs professional scaling. Scraping at home can damage enamel and gums.
Does scaling damage tooth enamel?
No. Properly done scaling removes deposits, not enamel. Teeth may feel sensitive briefly as gums settle.
How often should I have plaque removed?
Most people need a cleaning every 6–12 months; with gum disease, every 3–6 months.
Is scaling covered by NHIS in Korea?
Yes, for enrolled adults one scaling a year is partly covered. We provide English receipts.
Do you have English-speaking dentists?
Yes. Our dentists explain your diagnosis and options in English, and our English coordinator, Ms. Choi, has helped international patients at A Plus for over 15 years.
Where is A Plus Dental Clinic and how do I book?
We are on the 3rd floor of the Samgang Building, 704 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul — right outside Exit 14 of Cheongdam Station (Line 7), with free basement parking. Book on WhatsApp at +82 10-9325-2875, or email aplus.dentalclinic@gmail.com.
Come and say hello
Time to clear the build-up?
Message us in English — we'll find a time that suits you.
- Address
- 3F Samgang Building, 704 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
- Subway
- Cheongdam Station (Line 7), right outside Exit 14
- Hours
- Mon–Fri 9:30–18:00 (lunch 12:30–13:00)
Saturday 9:00–13:00 (no lunch break)
Closed Sundays & public holidays - +82 10-9325-2875
- Phone
- +82 10-9325-2875
This page is for general information and does not replace an examination by a dentist. A Plus Dental Clinic · Gangnam, Seoul · Since 1996 · Last updated October 2026
