How Airflow teeth cleaning supports healthy gums

At Boldmere Dental Practice, we’re passionate about helping our patients maintain strong, healthy gums - and we believe prevention is always better than cure. One of the most powerful tools we have to support your gum health is Airflow teeth cleaning, a gentle yet incredibly effective treatment provided by our experienced Airflow hygienists/therapist here in Sutton Coldfield. 

If you’ve been considering professional cleaning and wondering about the benefits of Airflow dental treatment, this blog will explore how it works, how it compares to traditional methods like a scale and polish, and why booking an appointment with an Airflow hygienist could be the best decision for your oral health.

What is Airflow teeth cleaning?

Airflow teeth cleaning is a modern dental hygiene treatment that uses a controlled stream of air, warm water, and a fine powder to remove plaque, tartar, and surface stains gently but thoroughly from the teeth. Unlike traditional scaling, which uses metal tools or ultrasonic devices to scrape away build-up, Airflow dental technology works in a minimally invasive way. This means no harsh scraping, no uncomfortable vibrations, and no sensitivity afterwards for most patients. 

The powder - typically made of erythritol or sodium bicarbonate - is safe, effective, and able to clean around the gumline, between teeth, and even beneath the gum surface. It’s ideal for patients with implants, crowns, braces, or anyone with sensitive gums. 

At Boldmere, we use Airflow as part of our general hygiene treatments, this is part of our commitment to delivering the most comfortable, effective dental hygiene care in Sutton Coldfield.

Why is gum health so important?

Your gums are the foundation of a healthy mouth. They support your teeth and protect the underlying bone. But if plaque and tartar build up along the gumline, they can irritate the tissue and lead to inflammation - also known as gingivitis. 

Left untreated, this can progress to periodontal disease, where the bone that holds your teeth in place begins to deteriorate. Regular hygiene appointments with an Airflow hygienist help prevent this from happening. 

By removing harmful bacteria and debris before they cause damage, we can protect your gums and keep your smile healthy for the long term. You can learn more about gum disease and its effects on overall health on the Oral Health Foundation website.

How does Airflow support healthy gums?

Here’s how Airflow dental cleaning helps to improve and maintain your gum health: 

1. Gentle plaque removal - plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that can accumulate along the gumline. If not removed, it hardens into tartar, which irritates the gums. Airflow cleaning removes both plaque and tartar without aggressive scraping, making it an ideal solution for patients with sensitive gums. 

2. Reaches below the gumline - the fine particles used in Airflow teeth cleaning can reach areas beneath the gums that traditional tools often can’t. This makes it particularly effective in preventing and treating early gum disease, even before symptoms begin. 

3. Reduces inflammation - by removing irritants in a gentle way, Airflow helps to reduce redness, swelling, and bleeding. Many patients notice an improvement in gum health just days after their treatment. 

4. It encourages regular hygiene visits - let’s be honest. If something is uncomfortable, you’re less likely to do it. One of the reasons we love Airflow at Boldmere is that patients find it so much more pleasant than traditional cleaning. That means they’re more likely to come in regularly for maintenance, which is key to preventing long-term gum problems. 

5. Safe for implants, crowns and orthodontics - for patients with dental implants or braces, cleaning around fixtures can be a challenge. Airflow hygienist appointments are ideal in these cases, offering a non-abrasive, thorough clean that doesn’t damage dental work.

Airflow vs scale and polish: which is better for gums?

We’re often asked how Airflow vs scale and polish compares - especially when it comes to gum care. The answer is: both are effective, but Airflow has the edge in several ways. Whilst a traditional scale and polish is still a great treatment, Airflow dental cleaning is generally more comfortable, more efficient, and better at reaching tricky areas without trauma. 

Patients with gum disease or those prone to sensitivity typically prefer Airflow once they’ve tried it. And because it also removes surface stains, Airflow leaves you with not just a healthier mouth - but a visibly brighter smile too.

What to expect from an Airflow appointment at Boldmere

When you come in for Airflow teeth cleaning in Sutton Coldfield, your hygienist will begin by discussing any concerns you have about your oral health. We’ll check your gums and teeth, and tailor your appointment based on your needs. 

The Airflow hygienist will then use the Airflow device to direct a warm mist of powder and water over your teeth and gums. There’s no drilling, no scraping, and most patients say it feels more like a spa treatment than a dental visit! Afterwards, your mouth will feel exceptionally clean, and your teeth will look noticeably brighter. You’ll also leave with personalised advice on how to maintain gum health at home.

Book your Airflow hygiene appointment today

If you’re ready to experience a gentler, more effective way to care for your gums, we’d love to welcome you to Boldmere Dental Practice. Our Airflow hygienists in Sutton Coldfield are here to help you enjoy a cleaner, fresher, and healthier smile - with none of the discomfort you may have experienced in the past. 

To book an appointment or find out more, visit our dental hygiene page, or get in touch with our friendly reception team. Airflow isn’t just a cleaning - it’s a better way to care for your smile. Let us help you protect your gums for life.