AIRFLOW® Prophylaxis: The Gentle Way to Clean Teeth
Available at all three BluSky Dental locations
A Better Way to Clean Teeth
Traditional dental cleanings with metal scrapers can be uncomfortable, especially for patients with sensitive teeth or gum recession. AIRFLOW® prophylaxis offers a better way—using air, warm water, and fine powder to gently yet thoroughly clean your teeth. At BluSky Dental, we use this advanced technology to make cleanings more comfortable and effective.
Available at all three BluSky Dental locations.
What Is AIRFLOW®?
AIRFLOW® is an advanced dental cleaning technology developed by EMS (Electro Medical Systems), a Swiss company specializing in dental hygiene innovation. It's part of the Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) protocol used by dental professionals worldwide.
How It Works
The AIRFLOW® device delivers a controlled stream of:
- Air — Compressed air at precise pressure
- Warm water — Comfortable temperature for sensitive patients
- Fine powder — Specially formulated cleaning particles
This combination gently but effectively removes:
- Dental plaque and biofilm
- Surface stains
- Soft deposits
- Early tartar
The AIRFLOW® Experience
What You'll Notice
Gentle Sensation
Instead of metal instruments scraping against your teeth, you'll feel a gentle spray. Most patients describe it as a "tickling" or "massage" sensation.
Warmth
The water is warmed to a comfortable temperature—no cold sensitivity during treatment.
Fresh Taste
The fine powder has a pleasant, slightly sweet taste (erythritol-based formulations are common).
Quick Process
AIRFLOW® treatment typically takes less time than traditional scaling.
Ideal for Sensitive Patients
AIRFLOW® is particularly beneficial for:
- Sensitive teeth
- Gum recession
- Dental anxiety
- Children
- Orthodontic patients (braces, aligners)
- Implant patients
- Anyone who dreads traditional cleanings
What AIRFLOW® Removes
Biofilm
Biofilm is a sticky layer of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. You know it as that "fuzzy" feeling when you haven't brushed. Biofilm leads to:
- Cavities
- Gum disease
- Bad breath
AIRFLOW® removes biofilm thoroughly from all tooth surfaces, including areas hard to reach with traditional instruments.
Surface Stains
Coffee, tea, wine, and tobacco leave stains on enamel. AIRFLOW® effectively removes these extrinsic stains, revealing your teeth's natural brightness.
Soft Deposits
Early plaque that hasn't yet hardened into tartar is easily removed with AIRFLOW®.
Important Note
For hardened tartar (calculus), traditional ultrasonic or hand scaling may still be needed. AIRFLOW® works best as part of a comprehensive cleaning protocol.
The Science Behind AIRFLOW®
Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT)
AIRFLOW® is part of the GBT protocol:
- Assess — Evaluate oral health status
- Disclose — Use disclosing solution to visualize biofilm
- Motivate — Educate patient on oral hygiene
- AIRFLOW® — Remove biofilm, stains, and early deposits
- PERIOFLOW® — Clean periodontal pockets if needed
- PIEZON® — Remove remaining tartar with ultrasonic
- Check — Final assessment
This systematic approach ensures thorough cleaning while minimizing patient discomfort.
The Powder
Different powders are used depending on the clinical situation:
- AIRFLOW® PLUS — Erythritol-based, 14-micron particles; gentle for regular cleaning
- AIRFLOW® CLASSIC — Sodium bicarbonate; for heavier staining
- AIRFLOW® PERIO — Extra-fine for subgingival (below gumline) cleaning
Benefits of AIRFLOW®
For Patients
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| More comfortable | Gentler than metal instruments |
| Less sensitivity | Warm water, no scraping |
| Faster | Efficient cleaning process |
| Better access | Reaches difficult areas |
| Pleasant experience | Many patients prefer it |
| Safe for restorations | Won't damage crowns, veneers, implants |
Clinical Benefits
- Thorough biofilm removal
- Superior cleaning around orthodontics
- Safe for implants and restorations
- Access to subgingular areas
- Reduced treatment time
- Improved patient compliance
AIRFLOW® for Special Situations
Orthodontic Patients
Braces create many nooks and crannies where plaque hides. AIRFLOW® reaches around brackets, under wires, and between teeth where brushing is difficult.
Dental Implants
Implants require careful cleaning to prevent peri-implantitis (implant gum disease). AIRFLOW® safely cleans around implants without scratching titanium surfaces.
Sensitive Teeth
For patients who dread cleanings due to sensitivity, AIRFLOW® offers a gentler alternative. The warm water and spray-based approach minimizes discomfort.
Children
Kids often find AIRFLOW® more tolerable than traditional cleaning methods, making dental visits more positive.
What AIRFLOW® Doesn't Replace
AIRFLOW® is excellent for biofilm and stain removal but doesn't replace:
- Scaling — For hardened tartar, ultrasonic or hand instruments may still be needed
- Root planing — For periodontal treatment
- Regular brushing and flossing — Home care remains essential
At BluSky Dental, we integrate AIRFLOW® with other technologies for comprehensive cleaning tailored to your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, AIRFLOW® has been used safely in dental practices worldwide for decades. The powders are biocompatible and the water pressure is carefully controlled.
AIRFLOW® removes surface stains but isn't a whitening treatment. It reveals your teeth's natural color by removing discoloration from coffee, tea, etc. For whitening beyond your natural shade, professional whitening is recommended.
AIRFLOW® can be used at every cleaning appointment—typically every 9 months for most patients, or more frequently if you have gum disease or other concerns.
AIRFLOW® is typically included as part of your professional cleaning, which is covered by most dental insurance plans.
Most patients find AIRFLOW® more comfortable than traditional cleaning. The sensation is described as gentle, like a spray or massage. Let us know if you experience any discomfort and we'll adjust.
Experience AIRFLOW® at BluSky Dental
Available at All Three Locations
Ready for a gentler, more comfortable cleaning experience? AIRFLOW® prophylaxis is available at all three BluSky Dental locations.
At BluSky we BEElieve in bringing life to your smile. 🐝