Air Flow Cleaning — Effective Prevention, Gentle Plaque Removal
and Restoration of Natural Whiteness
Why Air Flow Remains the “Gold Standard” of Gentle Professional Oral Hygiene
Modern patients are increasingly choosing conservative oral care methods that provide a noticeable aesthetic result while also meeting medical prevention goals. The Air Flow technology is a professional teeth cleaning method that uses a directed jet of water, air, and fine powder (sodium bicarbonate or glycine) to gently break up bacterial biofilm and remove pigmented plaque without damaging the enamel. Unlike whitening procedures, Air Flow does not alter the structure of the tooth; instead, it restores its natural shade by removing surface deposits and increasing enamel light reflection. This approach improves hygiene indicators and reduces inflammatory load on periodontal tissues, which is critical for preventing gingivitis and periodontitis.
Scientific Data and Current Statistics in Europe and the CIS
Professional hygiene every six months is associated with a significant reduction in the risk of inflammatory periodontal diseases: a systematic review demonstrated improved inflammation indices and better biofilm control with regular professional care (Journal of Clinical Periodontology). According to European professional associations, up to 80% of adults in Europe have dental calculus, while only about 35% have it removed at least once a year — a gap that regular professional hygiene appointments help close (European Federation of Periodontology).
In Russia, clinical observations indicate a very high prevalence of periodontal problems among adults: in people over 30, inflammatory periodontal diseases become dominant and approach a rate of nearly 90%, which is directly linked to plaque and calculus accumulation (Journal of the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia. Medicine). These numbers confirm the need for systemic prevention, where Air Flow is one of the key tools for reducing bacterial load before treatment and during maintenance visits.
How Air Flow Works: Clinical Logic Behind the Method
Mechanism of Biofilm Removal
Air Flow directs a controlled stream of water and air mixed with powder onto the tooth surface, disrupting the biofilm matrix and removing pigmentation. Glycine powder, due to its lower particle hardness, is safe for enamel and gentle on soft tissues, allowing treatment of the cervical area, interdental spaces, and early subgingival deposits. This mode reduces pathogenic microbial communities and simplifies plaque control at home.
Differences from Ultrasound Cleaning
Ultrasonic scaling removes mineralized calculus, while Air Flow addresses soft plaque and pigmentation, works in areas where instruments may be less gentle, and improves the surface quality before polishing and remineralization. In the combined protocol “ultrasound + Air Flow,” the clinician first removes hard deposits, then thoroughly cleans hard-to-reach areas, enhancing hygiene indicators and long-term stability (see periodontal maintenance review: J Clin Periodontol).
Indications and Expected Results
Who and When This Method Is Especially Useful For
Air Flow is recommended for patients with pronounced pigmentation from coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco; for crowded teeth and hard-to-reach interdental areas; before whitening, veneers, orthopedic or orthodontic stages; and after braces removal to gently clean retention sites. For patients with early gingivitis, the method helps quickly reduce biofilm load and prepare the gums for treatment.
What the Patient Experiences After the Procedure
In just one visit (average duration 30–45 minutes), the enamel becomes smooth, breath feels fresher, and visual lightening occurs due to stain removal. Clinical hygiene effects include decreased plaque and bleeding indices, improved gingival margin health, and longer-lasting results when combined with proper home hygiene and preventive visits every 6–12 months (see European guidelines at EFP).
Safety and Limitations
What the Doctor and Patient Should Consider
The method is safe when the correct powder, angle, and pressure are selected. Relative limitations include acute inflammatory processes, severe periodontitis, pronounced enamel hypersensitivity, allergic reactions to powder components, and certain systemic conditions. The final decision is made by the clinician after examination and diagnosis. For maximum durability of results, the session concludes with polishing and fluoride remineralization, increasing microhardness and reducing enamel sensitivity.
Air Flow as Part of Comprehensive Prevention
Why a Single Cleaning Session Is Not Enough
Air Flow is not a replacement for daily hygiene but a professional complement to it. The best results are achieved by combining: training in proper brushing technique, personalized hygiene product selection (brush/irrigator/floss), regular preventive visits, ultrasonic calculus removal when indicated, Air Flow for biofilm elimination, and final remineralization. This protocol aligns with modern periodontal maintenance principles and reduces the risk of inflammatory recurrence (J Clin Periodontol; EFP).
Air Flow Cleaning at Diplomat Med Center
At Diplomat Med Center, we perform Air Flow according to modern protocols, combining digital diagnostics, individualized powder selection, and gentle modes to carefully remove pigmentation, biofilm, and early deposits. The procedure is comfortable and fast, and the result is immediately visible: smooth enamel, fresh breath, and a natural shade without chemical whitening. After the cleaning, we perform remineralization and provide personalized recommendations to maintain the effect as long as possible.
If the examination indicates additional steps are needed, we offer a comprehensive approach: preparatory ultrasonic calculus removal for mineralized deposits, restoring gum health in the periodontal treatment department, preventive care programs for children in pediatric dentistry, and aesthetic and functional rehabilitation in collaboration with specialists in therapeutic treatment and orthodontics. This team-based approach helps not only “remove plaque,” but stabilize periodontal health and maintain the aesthetics of the smile for years.
Schedule your Air Flow cleaning at Diplomat Med Center today — we will restore enamel smoothness and natural shine, reduce inflammation, and strengthen protection against plaque so you can keep a lasting feeling of cleanliness and confidence.