Dentist’s Guide What to Know Before and After Getting Your Teeth Cleaned in Mainland China

　　Dentist’s guide: What to know before and after getting your teeth cleaned in Mainland China In recent years, many Hong Kong residents travel north for teeth cleaning because it’s flexible, convenient and offers more options. Convenience aside, your oral health should come first. A dental cleaning is not a simple beauty treatment. Done well, it helps prevent gum disease (periodontitis) and improves bad breath; done poorly, it can worsen gum sensitivity or even lead to cross‑infection. As a dentist, here’s a practical, down-to-earth guide to what to watch out for before and after a cross-border dental cleaning, and how to care for your mouth safely and effectively. What to prepare before you go - Know your current oral condition: Have you noticed bleeding gums, swelling or pain, loose teeth, mouth ulcers, or hot/cold sensitivity recently? These can affect the type of cleaning you need. - Disclose your health history: If you have heart disease, diabetes, are pregnant, take long-term anticoagulants, or have sensitivities to anesthetics or disinfectants, tell the dental team upfront. - Ask about the cleaning protocol: Standard care is ultrasonic scaling with polishing. If needed, you should first have an exam and periodontal assessment; X-rays may be taken before deciding on deep cleaning (scaling and root planing). Don’t jump straight into a “hard clean” without evaluation. - Check sterilization and infection control: Look for instruments in sealed sterile pouches that are opened in front of you after high-temperature autoclave sterilization. Suction tips/saliva ejectors, gloves and masks should be single-use. The dental chair and work surfaces should be thoroughly disinfected between patients. - Communicate clearly: Use the language you’re most comfortable with to explain your concerns, painful areas and sensitive teeth. You can ask to test the ultrasonic tip’s vibration and water flow first. Don’t feel obliged to “tough it out.” How to judge professionalism and safety at the clinic - Initial assessment: Do they use a periodontal probe to measure pocket depths? Do they explain where tartar and plaque are present and the related risks? A professional dentist will provide a clear treatment plan and follow-up recommendations. - Instrument handling: Ultrasonic scaling should “vibrate off” calculus, not grind tooth surfaces. The tip shouldn’t linger too long on one spot. For sensitive areas, they should adjust power and water flow for adequate cooling. - Pain control: If your gums are inflamed, some discomfort and bleeding during cleaning is normal. Topical or local anesthesia can be used when appropriate, but the clinician should explain pros and cons and obtain your consent. What to do right after your cleaning - Expect mild reactions: For the first 24–48 hours, your gums may feel puffy, sore or sensitive. That night, rinse gently with lukewarm saltwater. Avoid harsh or high‑alcohol mouthwashes. - Brushing tools and technique: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and the Bass technique (hold the brush at a 45° angle to the gumline and make small vibrations to dislodge plaque). Clean between teeth with floss or correctly sized interdental brushes. - Eating and drinking: For 1–2 days, avoid very spicy, very cold or very hard foods. Coffee, strong tea and red wine stain easily—limit them short term or rinse right after. Skip smoking for now to help gums heal. - Sensitivity care: Dab a desensitizing toothpaste on sensitive spots before brushing as usual. If sensitivity hasn’t improved after a week, book a follow-up. Why do my teeth feel “gappy” or rough after cleaning? - Tartar often “fills” spaces between teeth. Once it’s removed, gaps feel larger and your tongue/lips may notice roughness. As inflammation subsides and gums tighten, the surfaces will feel smoother. - Professional cleaning does not remove enamel. The goal is to vibrate off calculus and polish surface stains. If staining returns quickly, improve daily cleaning and adjust your diet. Who needs extra caution - Pregnant patients: Consider cleaning in the second or third trimester if you have gum issues, but get assessed first and avoid lengthy appointments. - Heart disease or diabetes: Make sure your condition is stable before treatment. You may need more intensive oral hygiene coaching and closer monitoring. - Braces, implants or fixed bridges: Plaque builds up easily around appliances. Ensure thorough cleaning around brackets/abutments in-clinic; at home, add interdental brushes and a water flosser. - Acute periodontal abscess or severe toothache: Don’t force a cleaning on the spot. Treat the acute infection/pain first. After you return to Hong Kong: long-term follow-up - Routine checkups: Schedule dental exams and cleanings every 3–6 months based on your periodontal risk. High-risk patients should be seen more frequently. - Keep records: Take photos or request treatment notes so your Hong Kong dentist can review and track periodontal changes over time. - Daily habits: Between meals, choose water over sugary drinks. Brush about 30 minutes after eating—avoid scrubbing immediately. Sugar-free gum can stimulate saliva and help neutralize acids. - Self-monitoring: Watch your gum color (healthy gums are pale pink), note whether bleeding with brushing is decreasing, and whether breath is improving. If you notice tooth mobility, persistent pus, or facial swelling, seek care promptly. Common myths, debunked - “Cleanings cause gum recession.” In reality, recession is usually due to periodontal disease. Cleaning removes irritants and helps gums recover. - “The more often the better.” Frequency should match your risk level and hygiene habits. Too often isn’t always beneficial; too infrequent increases the risk of recurrent periodontitis. - “Mouthwash alone is enough.” Mouthwash is an adjunct. The core is mechanical plaque control: brushing plus floss and/or interdental brushes. Bottom line: Cross-border teeth cleaning can be a convenient choice, but safety, professionalism, sterilization and clear communication matter most. Prepare your health information before you go, check infection control on-site, and stick to solid home care afterward—that’s how you get a truly clean result that lasts. Oral health is a marathon, not a one-off service. Find a dental team you trust and pair it with consistent daily hygiene, and your smile will naturally be more confident.