How should you care for your teeth after a scale and polish up north? In recent years, many Hong Kong residents head north for professional teeth cleaning (scaling). It’s flexible and offers more choice, but what really impacts your oral health is the aftercare. Here’s a practical guide to keep your scaling results lasting longer and your gums healthier. What to watch for in the first 48 hours - Mild bleeding, tight or tender gums, and sensitivity to hot or cold are normal and usually settle within a few days. - Avoid very hot, very cold, very acidic, spicy, or hard foods. Choose softer foods at a moderate temperature first. - Temporarily avoid smoking and alcohol. Cut back on strong tea and coffee to reduce gum irritation and staining. - Brush gently with a soft‑bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste. Clean tooth surfaces, then sweep along the gumline. Avoid abrasive or whitening toothpastes right after scaling. - Rinsing: If your dentist prescribed a rinse, follow their instructions. If not, choose an alcohol‑free antibacterial mouthwash, or gently rinse with warm salt water once or twice a day—don’t overdo it. - Sensitivity care: Dab desensitising toothpaste on sensitive spots, leave for about 1 minute, then spit. Avoid vigorous rinsing for 30 minutes afterward. - Seek help promptly if pain or swelling worsens, bleeding continues beyond 48 hours, breath suddenly becomes foul, or you notice facial swelling—book a review with your dentist. Build a daily oral hygiene routine - Two times, two minutes: Brush morning and night for about two minutes each time. Use an electric toothbrush or a small‑headed soft manual brush. Aim the bristles at 45 degrees and use the Modified Bass technique to gently sweep along the gumline. Clean all surfaces, interdental areas, and the grooves of molars. - Clean between teeth every night: Use dental floss to remove plaque. If you have wider gaps or bridges, add interdental brushes. Water flossers are a helpful supplement but don’t replace floss entirely. - Clean your tongue: Gently scrape tongue coating to reduce sources of bad breath. - Use fluoride toothpaste daily: A pea‑sized amount is enough. Spit out the foam after brushing; avoid immediately rinsing with lots of water so the fluoride can keep working. - Replace brush heads: Change every 3 months, or sooner if bri stles splay. - Mouthwash use: Pick alcohol‑free options. If you use mouthwash, don’t use it immediately after brushing to avoid diluting the fluoride from your toothpaste. Diet and lifestyle tips - Manage sugar: Reduce how often you have snacks and sugary drinks—the frequency matters more than the total amount. Use a straw for sweet drinks and follow with plain water to rinse. - Prevent acid erosion: Lemon water, fizzy drinks, and sports drinks are acidic. Have them with meals if you must, and avoid brushing right after; let your mouth return to neutral first. - Drink more water and chew sugar‑free gum between meals to stimulate saliva, which naturally neutralises acids and clears food debris. - Quit smoking and moderate alcohol—both significantly improve gum health and breath. - Sleep and stress management: If you grind your teeth at night, ask your dentist about a night guard to reduce tooth wear and gum stress. Regular check‑ups and follow‑up - Most people benefit from a check‑up and cleaning every 6–12 months. If you have a history of gum (periodontal) issues, aim for every 3–4 months. - If you wear braces, have implants, dentures, or bridges, follow your dentist’s special cleaning instructions, such as using threaders or ultra‑fine interdental brushes. - After a cross‑border cleaning, note the date and any advice given. Wherever you are, contact a dental professional if anything feels off—don’t delay because of travel. Common myths, debunked - “Scaling makes gaps bigger.” Removing tartar (calculus) reveals spaces that were already there. With ongoing cleaning and reduced inflammation, gums become firmer and the appearance improves. - “Scaling damages teeth.” Proper ultrasonic scaling targets tartar and plaque without eroding enamel. The key is correct technique and timely follow‑up. - “How long will sensitivity last?” It usually improves over a few days to one or two weeks. In the meantime, stick with sensitivity care and avoid extreme temperatures. Summary Cross‑border teeth cleaning can be part of good oral care, but your daily habits determine your teeth and gum health. Remember four essentials: brush gently, clean between teeth, use fluoride, and keep regular check‑ups. Do these well and tartar is less likely to return, breath stays fresher, and your smile looks naturally better for longer.