Technology is advancing in all fields, dentistry being no exception. Air flow oral hygiene uses a device containing water and powdered bicarbonate particles to clean and smooth dental surfaces.

Air flow is used at the end of dental hygiene, after scaling and professional brushing.

It complements the previous maneuvers, effectively removing stains and plaque deposits located in areas difficult to reach with conventional instruments.

Benefits

• Increased patient comfort – whereas until recently hand instruments were used to remove plaque deposits and dental stains, these have been replaced by air flow. Previously used instruments caused embarrassment, discomfort and sometimes even pain to the patient.
• The air flow device sprays small particles, so there is no contact with the tooth surfaces to bother the patient.
• The powder used has a pleasant taste and fine consistency, successfully replacing the abrasive pastes used in the past.
• Removes surface stains – air flow is a method of removing stains caused by smoking and liquids such as red wine, black tea or coffee.
• Superficial pigmentation on the molars can also be removed, thus making the differential diagnosis from dental caries.
• Reduces tooth sensitivity – small cracks and irregularities in the enamel exposing the dentin can give the patient sensitivity to contact with very cold or very hot foods.
• The fine particles in the air flow powder are able to fill these small enamel defects and thus remove tooth sensitivity.
• It is important to know that the temperature generated by the use of air flow is within the tolerable limits of dental tissues, so no sensitivity will occur with its use.
• Airflow can positively influence dental remineralization.
• Speed of cleaning – research shows that air flow is responsible for much faster cleaning of dental plaque than traditional means of hygiene.
• This means, besides a net efficiency, less time spent by the patient in the dental office.

The importance of dental hygiene

Dental plaque is a consortium of bacteria that cannot be eradicated by any method. However, their numbers are greatly reduced with good dental hygiene. At a low level of oral bacteria, the body through natural defences is able to maintain a balance between bacterial attack and dental health status.

This is why it is recommended to have as thorough an oral hygiene as possible at home, consisting of brushing, rinsing with mouthwash and sanitizing the interdental spaces with dental floss or mouthwash. In addition to this, there is professional hygiene carried out by the dentist consisting of scaling, professional brushing and air flow.

The specialist procedure is indicated to be performed at least twice a year but there may be variations depending on the individual.

Regular check-ups and thorough hygiene maintain dental and periodontal health as well as the integrity of dental structures.