Airflow Teeth Cleaning

Airflow Teeth Cleaning

Airflow dental cleaning tool
Airflow dental cleaning at Thames Street Dental

Gentle hygiene care in Kingston upon Thames

A fresher, brighter-feeling clean with Airflow

Airflow teeth cleaning uses a controlled stream of warm water, air and fine powder to remove plaque biofilm and surface staining from the teeth. It is often chosen by patients who want a thorough clean that feels gentler than traditional scraping.

At Thames Street Dental, Airflow can be recommended as part of your dental hygiene treatment, especially where staining, plaque build-up, orthodontic appliances or dental restorations make careful cleaning harder at home.

What Airflow can help with

Using advanced guided biofilm therapy technology, Airflow can help with a broad range of hygiene and aesthetic concerns that may previously have required more abrasive or uncomfortable methods. Your dentist or hygienist will advise whether it is suitable for your mouth.

Staining & discolouration

Useful for reducing external marks and helping teeth feel cleaner.

Plaque build-up

Helps disrupt plaque biofilm from tooth surfaces and around the gum line.

Coffee & tea stains

Can lift common surface staining caused by regular tea and coffee drinking.

Tobacco stains

Can help remove surface tobacco staining as part of professional hygiene care.

Gum inflammation

Can support hygiene care where plaque build-up is contributing to irritated gums.

Biofilm & tartar

Targets biofilm, with remaining tartar removed using suitable hygiene instruments.

Bad breath (halitosis)

Professional cleaning may help when plaque build-up is contributing to bad breath.

General hygiene maintenance

Can be included in ongoing hygiene care to help keep your mouth feeling fresh.

How Airflow is different from a scale and polish

A traditional scale and polish removes hard deposits and staining using dental instruments and polishing paste. Airflow uses a jet of air, warm water and fine powder to lift soft biofilm and surface staining with less direct contact on the tooth surface.

Some patients will still need scaling where there is tartar or calculus. Airflow and traditional hygiene care can work well together, depending on your gum health and the amount of build-up present.

Read Airflow vs scale and polish

Not sure which clean you need?

Your dentist or hygienist can assess your teeth and gums, then recommend the most appropriate hygiene appointment for you.

Ask our team

How does the treatment work?

Airflow is a quick, effective and comfortable treatment typically completed in a single appointment. Here is what to expect in four simple steps:

1

Assessment and mapping

Your hygienist begins by assessing your teeth and gums, identifying areas of plaque, biofilm and staining using a disclosing agent to map your mouth precisely.

2

Airflow handpiece

The Airflow handpiece projects a controlled stream of air, warm water and fine erythritol powder onto the tooth surfaces and gumline, gently removing biofilm and staining.

3

Perioflow where needed

Where necessary, the Perioflow nozzle is used to clean beneath the gumline and in periodontal pockets, removing biofilm in areas that cannot be reached any other way.

4

Piezon scaling

Any remaining calculus or tartar is removed using the Piezon ultrasonic scaler, completing your treatment with teeth that feel and look noticeably cleaner.

Who may benefit from Airflow?

  • Patients who notice surface staining between hygiene visits.
  • Patients who find traditional hygiene appointments uncomfortable.
  • Patients with Invisalign attachments, fixed retainers or other orthodontic appliances.
  • Patients with restorations such as crowns, bridges, veneers or dental implants.
  • Patients who want their routine oral hygiene reviewed as part of their ongoing care.

Airflow is not suitable for every patient in every situation. We will always consider your medical history, gum health and dental needs before recommending treatment.

Planning a brighter smile?

Airflow removes external staining. If you are looking for a change in tooth shade, professional teeth whitening may be more appropriate after your mouth has been assessed.

Explore teeth whitening

Airflow cleaning FAQs

Many patients find Airflow comfortable because it uses warm water and avoids much of the scraping sensation associated with traditional cleaning. If you have sensitive teeth or gums, tell your clinician before treatment starts so the appointment can be adapted where appropriate.

Airflow removes surface stains and biofilm, so teeth may look cleaner and brighter after treatment. It does not bleach the teeth or change the internal tooth shade. For that, please read about our professional teeth whitening options.

Airflow can often be useful around restorations and orthodontic appliances, including implants, crowns, bridges and Invisalign attachments. Your clinician will check your mouth first and choose the safest, most appropriate method for each area.

The right interval depends on your gum health, staining, home care and risk of dental disease. Some patients include Airflow within their routine hygiene plan, while others only need it occasionally. We can advise you after an examination or hygiene appointment.

Please see our Treatment Fee Guide for current fees, or contact the practice if you would like help choosing the right appointment.

Related reading

Airflow vs scale and polish

A closer comparison of Airflow and traditional dental hygiene cleaning.

The importance of regular dental check-ups

Why routine examinations and hygiene care matter for long-term oral health.

Looking after your oral health

Practical advice for maintaining healthy teeth and gums between visits.

Book Airflow cleaning in Kingston

If your teeth feel stained, rough or difficult to clean, our team can help you decide whether Airflow is the right hygiene option for you.

Call 020 8546 6546Contact Thames Street Dental
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