Do dental cleanings in Mainland China include a periodontal (gum) check

　　Do dental cleanings in Mainland China include a periodontal (gum) check

　　Does going north for teeth cleaning include a periodontal exam?

　　In recent years, many Hong Kong residents have crossed the border to Mainland China for teeth cleaning. Beyond convenience and speed, a common question is: does a cleaning include a periodontal check? The honest answer is “not necessarily.” A standard “cleaning” typically uses ultrasonic scaling to remove tartar and stains, with a brief oral check. A full periodontal examination is different: it requires detailed measurements, imaging, and proper records. The clinic you choose and the service you book directly determine whether you’ll get a genuine periodontal assessment.

　　What is a periodontal examination?

　　The periodontium refers to your gums, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone. A comprehensive periodontal exam usually includes:

　　- Medical and dental history: brushing habits, flossing/interdental cleaning, oral history, general health.

　　- Visual assessment: gum redness and swelling, recession, pus points, and tartar buildup.

　　- Periodontal probing: measuring pocket depths around each tooth with a probe (e.g., 3 mm, 4 mm), recording bleeding on probing and plaque index.

　　- Imaging: bitewing or full-mouth X-rays to assess any bone loss.

　　- Diagnosis and recommendations: a report explaining risks and arranging follow-up care (such as deep cleaning/scaling and root planing, and regular reviews).

　　What most cross-border “basic cleanings” provide is surface scaling plus a quick look, and they may not include full probing and imaging every time. Some clinics list “periodontal assessment/deep cleaning” as a separate service. So whether your northbound cleaning includes a periodontal exam depends on what you book and the clinic’s protocol.

　　How to tell if a real periodontal exam was performed

　　- Did the dentist probe around each tooth, read out pocket depth numbers, and record them?

　　- Were bleeding points and plaque index charted?

　　- Were bitewing or full-mouth X-rays taken to check bone levels?

　　- Did you receive a written or electronic report (not just a verbal summary)?

　　- Was a periodontal treatment plan discussed, such as quadrant deep cleaning, root planing, and irrigation?

　　When should you specifically request a periodontal exam?

　　- Gums bleed often when brushing; persistent bad breath.

　　- Gum pain or swelling, gum recession, or suddenly wi

　　der gaps between teeth.

　　- Bite feels loose, or teeth have slightly shifted.

　　- Occasional pus points on the gums; gums easily irritated.

　　These are signs of periodontal disease. Don’t settle for surface cleaning alone.

　　How to communicate with the clinic before a northbound cleaning

　　- Clarify what the cleaning includes: periodontal probing, any imaging, and whether records will be provided.

　　- Ask about the workflow and timing, and whether treatment needs to be done over multiple visits.

　　- Check the dentist’s qualifications and the clinic’s sterilization and infection control measures.

　　- Find out how your records are stored and whether follow-up in Hong Kong is feasible.

　　- If you have chronic conditions, are pregnant, or take regular medications, disclose this in advance so the plan can be adjusted.

　　What’s the difference between teeth cleaning and periodontal treatment?

　　- Teeth cleaning: ultrasonic removal of tartar and stains on tooth surfaces; maintenance cleaning.

　　- Periodontal treatment: targets plaque and calculus inside deeper periodontal pockets; requires quadrant-based scaling and root planing and irrigation, sometimes with medications and more frequent reviews. If pocket depths exceed certain thresholds or bone loss is present, routine cleaning alone is not enough.

　　Pre- and post-cleaning tips

　　- Replace your toothbrush; keep up flossing or use interdental brushes to maintain hygiene.

　　- Inform the clinic about allergies, medications, heart conditions, or diabetes.

　　- After cleaning, avoid smoking, alcohol, and very hot or spicy foods for a short period; follow instructions on mouthwash use.

　　- If gum bleeding doesn’t stop, swelling persists, or bad odor worsens, arrange a prompt review.

　　Hong Kong or Mainland—what’s better?

　　The key isn’t the location, but transparency and professional standards. A complete periodontal assessment requires time, measurements, imaging, and clear records wherever you go. Surface cleaning alone can make you feel “clean,” while deeper problems go undetected. If you plan to go north for teeth cleaning, confirm whether a periodontal exam is included, and add a comprehensive assessment if needed. Combine this with home care and regular check-ups. Aim for teeth cleaning every six months and a periodontal evaluation once a year to truly protect your teeth and gum health.