Airflow dental cleaning

Airflow refers to an air-polishing technique that has become standard in many Swiss dental hygiene practices. Instead of working with rotating brushes and polishing paste, the dental hygienist directs a precise jet of compressed air, water and fine powder onto the tooth surface. This removes discolouration from coffee, tea, red wine or nicotine as well as soft deposits (biofilm), even in hard-to-reach areas.

The procedure is part of a normal dental hygiene session: first, hard tartar is loosened with ultrasound or hand instruments, then the Airflow cleaning follows. A mild powder based on erythritol or glycine is usually used to protect the enamel, while a slightly coarser powder is used for stronger stains. Depending on the effort involved, the treatment takes only a few minutes and is experienced as pleasant by most people.

Airflow makes sense for visible discolouration, for smokers, for people with braces or implants, and for regular prophylaxis. However, it is not a bleaching procedure: the natural tooth colour is not lightened, only external stains are removed.

When choosing a provider, make sure you see a trained dental hygienist who selects the right powder for your dental situation. For sensitive teeth, exposed tooth necks or certain pre-existing conditions, the application should be adjusted. Costs depend on the practice, treatment duration and region and are usually paid privately.