Teeth Cleaning in Mainland China: What to Prepare Before You Go In recent years, many people have been heading to Mainland China for professional teeth cleaning. Transport is convenient, appointment options are plentiful, and planning is relatively easy. To make your visit smoother and more reassuring, prepare well before you arrive at the clinic. Below is a practical, step-by-step guide to the key points and precautions for getting a dental cleaning in the Mainland. How to choose a clinic and dentist - Do some research: Check reputation, reviews, photos, and past cases. Look for regular updates and professional content. - Verify compliance: Licensed clinics in Mainland China display a Medical Institution Practice License at the front desk or on their website. Dentists should hold a Practicing Physician license; you can ask staff to show these. - Clarify the treatment: A standard cleaning usually includes ultrasonic scaling and polishing, with some clinics offering air polishing. Confirm the duration, steps, and whether a periodontal exam is included. Booking and travel time - Book in advance online or by phone, and confirm the cancellation/rescheduling policy. - Avoid peak times (weekends, public holidays, early mornings, evenings). Allow time for border crossing and travel. Don’t schedule too tightly; after your cleaning, stay for about 30 minutes to observe and rest. - Prepare valid documents: Bring your Home Return Permit. Note down the clinic address, subway/metro exit, and drop-off point. Payment and paperwork - Electronic payment is common in Mainland China. Set up usable payment apps or bring a UnionPay card. Have a backup method in case of unstable mobile signal. - If you need company or insurance reimbursement, request a same-day, stamped paper receipt and treatment sheet. Ask how the invoice title and item names should be written. Health and oral conditions - Inform the dentist if you have heart disease, diabetes, are taking anticoagulants, are pregnant, or recently had oral surgery. Mention implants, crowns, or braces so the dentist can choose suitable instruments and force. - Declare any allergies to anesthetics or medications. If you have persistent gum bleeding, oral pain, or mouth ulcers, a periodontal assessment may be needed before cleaning. - If your teeth are very sensitive, request low power settings, sectional treatment, or fluoride for desensitizing. Hygiene and safety - In the operatory, check that disposable items (mouth mirror, probe, saliva ejector) are unwrapped in front of you. Metal instruments should be autoclaved; sterilization pouches usually have indicator markings. - The dentist and assistant should wear gloves, masks, and eye protection. Chair surfaces and countertops should be regularly disinfected. - If X-rays or deeper examinations are required, understand the equipment used, potential risks, and purpose, and sign a consent form. Communication and expectations - Most clinics use Mandarin; many staff can also speak Cantonese. You can specify your language preference when booking. - Scaling removes tartar and plaque to improve gum health; it is not the same as teeth whitening. Whitening is a separate treatment. - If you have heavy calculus or inflamed gums, treatment may need multiple sessions or deep periodontal cleaning (scaling and root planing), which takes longer—be prepared. Pre-departure tips - Brush and floss as usual the night before and the morning of your appointment; avoid heavy lipstick for easier examination. - Eat beforehand; don’t go on an empty stomach. Bring a small towel, tissues, and water. - Prepare a question list: sensitive spots, areas where tartar builds up, any prior periodontal treatment, etc. Post-cleaning care - For 24–48 hours, gums may feel slightly sore and sensitive to hot or cold. Avoid very spicy, extremely cold or hot foods, and reduce coffee and alcohol on the day. - Continue gentle brushing that night. Use floss or interdental brushes as advised. If needed, use an antibacterial mouthwash—usually for no more than one week. - If bleeding persists, pain worsens, or gums swell, contact the clinic promptly or follow up back in Hong Kong. - Maintain daily oral hygiene. Depending on your gum health, schedule maintenance cleanings every 3–6 months. Rights and records - Request before-and-after photos or a brief written summary (e.g., areas cleaned, periodontal indices) to aid future follow-up. - You can ask for electronic copies of receipts, treatment sheets, and X-rays (if any). Confirm how the clinic stores your personal data. Quick checklist - Documents: Home Return Permit, phone, payment methods - Booking: time, address, language, treatment details - Health: medications, allergies, braces/implants/crowns - Safety: licenses, disposable supplies, sterilization details - After: receipts and records, at-home care plan Summary: For teeth cleaning in Mainland China, the priorities are choosing the right clinic, communicating your health conditions, ensuring hygiene and safety, and keeping thorough records. Good preparation makes the process more comfortable and efficient, and helps you maintain long-term oral health.