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.\n\nThe 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.\n\nAirflow 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.\n\nWhen 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.
Airflow dental cleaning
Airflow is a gentle cleaning method in dental hygiene that uses a fine jet of air, water and a very fine powder to remove stubborn deposits and stains from the teeth. It complements or partly replaces classic polishing and is especially gentle on the gums and tooth enamel.
Example
A coffee lover from Zurich notices brownish stains on the inner sides of his front teeth after years. During his semi-annual dental hygiene appointment, the hygienist first removes the tartar with ultrasound and then cleans the discolouration with Airflow. After the session the teeth look visibly cleaner and feel smooth, without any of the enamel being removed.
Frequently asked
Is Airflow a form of bleaching?
No. Airflow only removes external stains and deposits but does not lighten the natural tooth colour. If you want permanently whiter teeth, you need a separate bleaching treatment, which should be carried out professionally by a dentist or dental hygienist.
Is the Airflow treatment painful or harmful to tooth enamel?
When applied correctly with the right powder, Airflow is gentle and is usually experienced as pleasant. Modern fine powders based on erythritol or glycine are kind to the enamel. For sensitive teeth or exposed tooth necks it can be briefly uncomfortable, which is why the treatment is adjusted individually.
How often should you have an Airflow cleaning?
This depends on your oral hygiene and habits. Many people are advised to have dental hygiene once or twice a year, and Airflow is often part of that treatment. Those who consume a lot of coffee, tea or nicotine may benefit from shorter intervals. Your dental hygienist will give you a suitable recommendation.