What Should You Know Before a Teeth Cleaning A Must-Read Guide for Hong Kong Residents Traveling to Mainland China for Dental Cleaning

　　What to know before a teeth cleaning: a must‑read guide for Hongkongers heading north

　　In recent years, many Hong Kong residents travel to Mainland China for dental care. Teeth cleaning (called “洁牙” in the Mainland) is the most common and beginner‑friendly service. To keep the trip smooth, the results good, and safety protected, there are a few things you should understand before you go.

　　What is teeth cleaning? It’s not the same as grinding down teeth

　　Professional teeth cleaning (scaling) uses ultrasonic instruments and hand tools to remove tartar (calculus), plaque, and stains, helping reduce gum inflammation and prevent periodontal (gum) disease. It does not “file down” healthy tooth surfaces and will not thin your enamel under normal practice. It’s especially suitable for smokers, coffee/tea drinkers, people wearing braces, and anyone who experiences gum bleeding. Most people should have a cleaning every 6–12 months; if your gum health is poorer, you may need it more frequently.

　　How to choose a clinic in Mainland China

　　- Qualifications and expertise: Confirm the clinic is legally licensed and the dentists are properly registered. Look for clear professional bios, real case photos, and transparent treatment workflows.

　　- Sterilization and infection control: Check for single‑use items (e.g., saliva ejectors, polishing cups), high‑temperature instrument sterilization (autoclave), and proper hand hygiene/glove changes. These details reflect safety standards.

　　- Diagnostic and treatment equipment: Ideally, the clinic should provide oral X‑rays, periodontal probes, air‑polishing, polishing, and fluoride application. A pre‑cleaning periodontal assessment is safer and more thorough.

　　- Communication and follow‑up: Can you communicate in Cantonese? Do they provide treatment records, periodontal scores/charting, and saved images? Is there a recommended follow‑up plan and post‑treatment support channel?

　　- Reviews and reputation: Focus on practical comments such as “clear explanations,” “gentle technique,” and “excellent hygiene,” rather than being swayed by fancy décor and photos alone.

　　Preparation before you go north

　　- Medical history and sensitivities: Inform the dentist if you have cardiovascular disease, diabetes, asthma, thyroid issues, infectious diseases, or take long‑term anticoagulants. Disclose any allergies to anesthetics or disinfectants.

　　- Pregnancy: Basic cleanings are generally safest in the second trimester, but confirm the plan with your dentist.

　　- Itinerary planning: Mild gum discomfort is possible after cleaning. Avoid scheduling intense activities or very刺激 foods the same day, and allow time for border‑crossing queues.

　　- Documents and records: Request official receipts, periodontal assessment data, and digital copies of any X‑rays. These make future follow‑up in Hong Kong easier.

　　What the teeth cleaning process looks like

　　- Oral exam: The dentist checks gum redness/swelling, tartar distribution, tooth mobility, any decay, and oral muco

　　sa. X‑rays may be taken if needed.

　　- Ultrasonic scaling: Ultrasonic vibration dislodges tartar, with emphasis on the gumline and tooth‑neck areas. If periodontal pockets are deeper, you may need subgingival scaling (deep cleaning) in sections, sometimes with local anesthesia.

　　- Air‑polishing and polishing: Removes surface stains and smooths the tooth surface to reduce future stain build‑up.

　　- Fluoride or desensitizing: Helpful for people prone to sensitivity.

　　Mild bleeding during the procedure is common because inflamed gums bleed easily. If your teeth feel like “the gaps have widened” afterward, it’s usually because calculus was removed and the real spacing is now visible—it’s not that cleaning “made the gaps bigger.”

　　Common myths, debunked

　　- “Cleaning damages teeth.” Under proper technique, it does not. Ultrasonic scalers target hard tartar; healthy enamel is tougher and isn’t scratched in routine care.

　　- “The more you clean, the thinner your teeth get.” False. The smoother feel comes from polishing, not from grinding away tooth structure.

　　- “Bleeding means the cleaning was too aggressive.” Not necessarily. Inflamed gums bleed easily; removing the irritants (plaque/tartar) is what helps gums heal.

　　Post‑cleaning care essentials

　　- For 24–48 hours, avoid very hot or cold foods, overly spicy foods, and alcohol to minimize irritation.

　　- Brush twice daily with correct technique, and use floss or interdental brushes. Consider desensitizing toothpaste or a dentist‑recommended mouthwash if needed.

　　- If gum swelling, persistent bleeding, or bad breath doesn’t improve, book a follow‑up promptly—you may need deep cleaning or periodontal therapy.

　　- Smokers, people with dry mouth, and those wearing braces need more diligent care and shorter follow‑up intervals.

　　Practical cross‑border tips

　　- Terminology: Mainland uses “洁牙/龈下洁治/喷砂/涂氟,” which correspond to Hong Kong’s “洗牙/深層洗牙/拋光/涂氟” (teeth cleaning/deep cleaning/polishing/fluoride).

　　- Payment and contact: Confirm booking methods, rescheduling rules, and which messaging apps the clinic uses. Save chat logs and booking proofs.

　　- Time management: Allow time for examination and explanations—don’t rush. If you have deep periodontal pockets, staged appointments are safer.

　　When you should treat issues before cleaning

　　- Acute toothache, gum abscess, fever, or severe mouth ulcers need stabilizing before scaling.

　　- Noticeable tooth mobility warrants a periodontal assessment; you may need staged cleanings plus more advanced periodontal treatment.

　　Final reminder

　　Going north for a teeth cleaning isn’t about speed—it’s about safety and long‑term oral health. Choose a clinic with proper credentials, rigorous hygiene, clear explanations, and thorough records. Follow your dentist’s plan for regular maintenance, and keep up excellent daily home care. With good preparation, your cleaning can be a comfortable, effective, and worthwhile oral health experience that truly helps prevent gum disease, bad breath, and gum recession.