Does teeth cleaning in Mainland China include a dental check-up

　　Does cross-border dental cleaning in Mainland China include a check-up?

　　In recent years, many Hongkongers have been heading to the Mainland for dental cleaning. Appointments are flexible, choices are plenty, and “cleaning packages” are everywhere. The most common question is: does the cleaning include a dental exam? Will they assess your oral health on the spot or take X-rays? Here’s a clear, practical guide to what’s typically included, what’s extra, and how to choose safely.

　　What’s usually included in a Mainland dental cleaning

　　- Basic oral examination: Most clinics provide an initial screening. A dentist or hygienist will visually check your mouth and gums, ask about sensitivity, bleeding, bad breath, and similar concerns. This is typically the core of the “includes check-up” promise.

　　- Ultrasonic scaling (dental cleaning): Removal of tartar and plaque, with a quick look at gumlines and interdental areas.

　　- Polishing/air polishing: Smoothing the tooth surface after scaling so stains adhere less easily.

　　- Basic periodontal assessment: Some clinics measure tooth mobility, pocket depths, and gum inflammation, then print or verbally explain the results.

　　What’s not usually included

　　- Imaging: Panoramic X-rays (OPG/orthopantomogram) or small films (bitewing/periapical) are rarely bundled automatically; they’re added only if needed.

　　- Deep periodontal therapy: Quadrant-based deep cleaning (scaling and root planing, “deep cleaning”) or periodontal surgery is typically separate and requires a proper evaluation.

　　- Caries treatment and other procedures: Filling, root canal therapy, professional whitening, air-flow stain removal, topical desensitising agents, etc., are not part of a standard cleaning.

　　- Follow-up visits: A revisit may be recommended after a few months, but it’s not always included in the same package.

　　How to confirm what “includes a check-up” really means

　　Ask these questions before you book:

　　- Will a licensed dentist perform a clinical exam? Will I receive written or digital findings and treatment recommendations?

　　- Are X-rays arranged separately? If the dentist suggests a panoramic or bitewing/periapical X-ray, what is the clinical reason (e.g., impacted wisdom teeth, periodontal bone levels, suspected deep decay)?

　　- Is the cleaning for the full mouth or split by upper/lower arches? How long will it take?

　　- Are polishing, air polishing, and fluoride application included?

　　- If cavities or gum disease are found, what’s the follow-up process (book another day, take X-rays first, then plan treatment)?

　　- Sterilisation and hygiene: Are instruments autoclaved (high-temperature sterilisation), individually packaged, and opened in front of me?

　　- Professional credentials: Are clinic licenses and dentists’ practice certificates clearly displayed? Will communication be in Cantonese or Mandarin, and is the explanation clear?

　　- Will I get an invoice an

　　d medical records to facilitate follow-up in Hong Kong?

　　Typical first-time cross-border cleaning workflow

　　- Registration and forms: Past medical history, drug allergies, pregnancy status, any heart valve issues, anticoagulant use, etc.

　　- Initial exam: The dentist checks gums, teeth, bite (occlusion), and oral mucosa; X-rays may be recommended if necessary.

　　- Cleaning: Ultrasonic scaling plus polishing; some clinics add air polishing for surface stains.

　　- Explanation: They’ll point out areas with heavy tartar, gum inflammation, and any caries risk, then give home-care tips and a suggested recall interval.

　　How it differs from Hong Kong

　　- Terminology: You’ll often see “cleaning/scaling” described as “洁牙/洁治,” which is equivalent to “洗牙” in Hong Kong.

　　- Package-based services are common: Basic exams are usually included; imaging is frequently add-on based on clinical need.

　　- Periodontal charting: Some places do detailed measurements, while others move faster through the process—quality varies, so you’ll need to assess carefully.

　　Red flags to watch for

　　- Rushed appointments: If everything is “done” in a few minutes and deep treatments are pushed without a thorough exam.

　　- Big-ticket recommendations without proper assessment or X-rays.

　　- Instruments not in individual sterile packs, questionable hygiene, or reluctance to explain procedures.

　　Who might not be suitable for immediate cleaning

　　- Early pregnancy or those needing X-rays without appropriate protection (follow the dentist’s advice and safety protocols).

　　- Patients at risk of infective endocarditis, with a history of heart valve disease, or currently on anticoagulants—get a medical/dental evaluation first.

　　- During active oral ulcers or acute periodontal abscess—acute inflammation usually needs to be managed first.

　　Post-cleaning care

　　- Mild bleeding or sensitivity for a day or two is common; rinse with lukewarm water or saline and avoid extremes of hot/cold.

　　- Limit dark-coloured foods and alcohol temporarily to help polished surfaces stabilise.

　　- Use a soft-bristle toothbrush, floss or interdental brushes; switch to desensitising toothpaste if sensitivity occurs.

　　- Generally, book cleanings every six months; if you smoke, drink frequently, have periodontal issues, or are in orthodontic treatment, consider reviews every three to four months.

　　Summary

　　Most cross-border dental cleaning packages do include a check-up, but it’s usually a basic oral exam with an initial periodontal assessment. Imaging and advanced treatments are typically not included by default. For a safe, comfortable experience, clarify the scope and flow before booking, pay attention to sterilisation and professionalism on site, and ask questions during the process. That way, you not only get a thorough cleaning but also a clear picture of your oral health and a reliable plan for follow-up—clean well, see clearly, and stay on track.