Does the cost of teeth cleaning in Mainland China include polishing

　　Does the cost of teeth cleaning in Mainland China include polishing

　　Does a northbound teeth-cleaning price include polishing? This has become a hot question in recent years. More and more Hong Kong residents head to Shenzhen, Guangzhou and other Mainland cities for dental care. The timing is flexible and there are plenty of options, but package contents and terminology may differ from Hong Kong. If you know exactly what “scaling” and “polishing” mean, you won’t arrive and discover the service isn’t what you expected.

　　First, the key point: the price for teeth cleaning in Mainland clinics does not always include polishing. Many clinics list services as packages, such as “basic scaling,” “deep cleaning,” or “scaling with sandblasting.” Some include simple polishing, others treat it as a paid add‑on, and they may use different names like “polishing,” “grinding,” or “air polishing/stain removal.” Always confirm the details before you book.

　　What’s the difference between scaling and polishing? Scaling usually uses ultrasonic vibration to remove tartar and plaque, focusing on the gumline and between teeth to reduce gum inflammation. Polishing uses a polishing paste with a rubber cup or brush to smooth the tooth surface, making it harder for new plaque to stick and helping with mild extrinsic stains. There’s also “air polishing” (powder jet cleaning) that uses a high‑pressure powder—often sodium bicarbonate or glycine—to remove tea and coffee stains. It targets surface staining more effectively than traditional polishing. Different clinics may label these procedures differently, so don’t assume that anything called “cleaning” automatically includes everything.

　　Also note: if your periodontal condition isn’t ideal, the dentist may recommend scaling and root planing (commonly called “deep cleaning”), which focuses on cleaning root surfaces below the gumline. It’s often done over multiple visits with follow‑up, and polishing may not be performed immediately because inflammation needs to be addressed first. In other words, polishing is a nice add‑on, but it isn’t appropriate in every situation.

　　How can you confirm whether a northbound cleaning price includes polishing? The most practical way is to ask about the package details and workflow. You can check with customer service or the front desk using questions like these:

　　- Is “polishing” or “air polishing/sandblasting” listed in the package? Which type? How many tooth surfaces will be treated?

　　- Will the cleaning be performed by a dentist or a dental hygienist/therapist? Approximately how long will the appointment take?

　　- Are periodontal charting, gum assessments, or dental X‑rays included? If additional tests are needed, will you be asked for consent first?

　　- How are instruments s

　　terilized, and which single‑use items are used? Will they open sealed packs chairside?

　　- If periodontal issues are found, will they recommend separate treatment? What does the plan involve and how many sessions?

　　- Are there heavy upsells such as whitening, fillings, or “premium” air polishing? Can you opt for basic scaling only?

　　- Will communication be in Mandarin or Cantonese? Can the clinical team explain in your preferred language?

　　- Do you need to pay a deposit to book? What are the cancellation and rescheduling policies?

　　Mainland clinics may use terms slightly differently from Hong Kong. “Prophylaxis/scaling” is often listed as “洁治” (professional cleaning). “Polishing” may be written as “打磨.” “Air polishing” might appear as “喷砂” or “去渍.” If you see “comprehensive cleaning,” it usually means scaling plus polishing or air polishing, but you still need to ask for specifics. Don’t worry about being thorough—every clinic arranges things a bit differently.

　　Safety and hygiene are crucial when going north for teeth cleaning. Beyond a clean environment, choose clinics with clear licensing, transparent sterilization protocols, and proper use of single‑use consumables. Before treatment, staff should ask about conditions like heart disease, pregnancy, and blood‑thinner use. Afterward, mild sensitivity is normal and should ease within two to three days. Avoid very hot or very cold foods on the same day, switch to a softer toothbrush, and use floss or interdental brushes daily—these habits are key to keeping teeth clean long term.

　　Is polishing necessary, and should you do it every time? Generally, moderate polishing after scaling makes tooth surfaces smoother and helps slow down re‑staining. But polishing is an abrasive process, so it doesn’t need to be heavy‑handed at every visit. If you’re undergoing periodontal therapy or your tooth surfaces are already smooth, your dentist may suggest a conservative approach. Air polishing isn’t suitable for everyone either—those with sensitive gums or specific medical conditions should consult first.

　　In summary: there’s no one‑size‑fits‑all answer to whether northbound cleaning prices include polishing. The key is to clarify package contents, understand your oral health needs, and know what you’re comfortable with. Don’t choose based solely on price or marketing phrases; a clinic’s professionalism, sterilization standards, and transparent communication matter more. After scaling, daily brushing, flossing, and regular check‑ups are the most worthwhile oral‑health investments. Keep the above points in mind before your next booking, and you’ll be more confident in choosing the right northbound teeth‑cleaning service for you.