Keeping your smile bright, healthy, and beautiful requires more than daily brushing and flossing. It’s a fantastic way to support your oral health, but these alone don’t replace the benefits of routine dental cleanings and exams.
When most people think of a dental cleaning, they likely imagine a scaling tool that carefully removes visible debris. It takes time and can leave your mouth feeling a little tender. While the work has to be done, modern technology and innovative treatments are transforming oral care.
Modern air polishing and ultrasonic cleaning carefully and thoroughly removes bacteria, plaque, and softer tartar from your teeth, gums, and any dental work, leaving your smile visibly cleaner.
What is Biofilm?
Bacteria create a sticky layer that protects them from your immune system and the cleansing power of your oral hygiene products, known as biofilm. This biofilm is a complex community of microorganisms that forms on your teeth, gums, and dental work such as bridges and crowns.
When biofilm isn’t properly removed, it can lead to a cascade of oral health problems. Gingivitis, periodontitis, tooth decay, and even bad breath all stem from biofilm buildup. Traditional cleaning methods often struggle to completely strip this stubborn bacterial layer, which is where modern air polishing and ultrasonic cleaning come in.
Biofilm-Focused Dental Cleaning, Explained
This modern, biofilm-focused dental cleaning offers an innovative approach to traditional dental cleanings by tackling the root cause of most general oral health concerns: the biofilm, which is not visible to the naked eye.
The system follows a step-by-step protocol that identifies, removes, and prevents biofilm formation, with a treatment tailored to each patient’s specific oral health needs.
The Assessment Phase
Your dental hygienist will evaluate your gums, teeth, and existing biofilm levels. This step helps create a custom treatment plan that addresses your unique oral health situation.
Biofilm Detection
One of the most distinct aspects of modern biofilm-focused cleaning is making the biofilm visible. A solution is applied to your teeth, which will temporarily stain the biofilm with a bright colour, letting you see exactly where the problem areas are, something that traditional cleaning methods cannot provide.
Air Polishing Technology
The heart of this approach is advanced air polishing technology. This system uses a controlled stream of warm water, compressed air, and a specially formulated powder to gently remove biofilm, stains, and plaque.
The air polishing method works without direct contact with your teeth, whereas traditional scaling tools can feel uncomfortable, especially for those with sensitive gums or teeth. This type of cleaning provides less sensitivity, greater comfort, and a more thorough cleaning that reaches areas traditional tools often miss.
The Benefits of Air Polishing and Ultrasonic Cleaning
The purpose of professional dental cleanings is to remove and address debris and buildup that the bristles of a toothbrush and the thread of dental floss cannot tackle. So, when traditional scaling and polishing are available, why choose modern air polishing and ultrasonic cleaning?
Well, here are some of the benefits of air polishing and ultrasonic cleaning:
- Enhanced comfort: Perhaps the most noticeable benefit is how comfortable this method feels. The warm water and gentle pressure create a spa-like sensation that’s far removed from the scraping and pressure of traditional cleanings.
- Comprehensive cleaning: Air polishing technology can reach into tight spaces with precision, tackling spaces that might be more challenging with traditional cleaning instruments.
- Visible results: With biofilm staining and detection, you can see the results of your cleaning as bacteria are removed.
- Less time in the exam chair: The efficiency of air polishing technology means your hygienist can achieve better results in less time, making your dental visits more convenient and less disruptive to your day.
- Gentle on dental work: The gentle nature of this method means it won’t damage or wear down your dental work, such as crowns, veneers, implants, or orthodontic treatment, while still thoroughly cleaning around these areas.
- Long-lasting results: Because air polishing and ultrasonic cleaning remove biofilm so thoroughly, the results tend to last longer. Many patients find they can maintain better oral health between visits, and their teeth feel fresh and clean for extended periods.
Your Air Polishing Cleaning Guide
An air polishing dental cleaning is comfortable, relatively gentle, and with proper oral care at home, it also supports your overall oral health.
The Treatment
After your initial assessment, your hygienist will apply the biofilm solution to uncover this layer. Don’t worry, the staining is temporary.
The actual cleaning with the air polishing technology is where you’ll notice the biggest difference compared to a traditional dental cleaning. Instead of the scraping sensation of dental scaling to remove plaque, tartar, and debris, you’ll feel a gentle, warm spray.
Throughout the treatment, your hygienist reapplies the staining solution to see remaining areas of biofilm to be removed.
Maintaining Your Results
Despite such a comprehensive cleaning, it’s still important for you to maintain good oral care at home. Based on what your hygienist observes, they’ll go over areas of your oral hygiene routine that could benefit from further attention.
On top of that, regular brushing and flossing become even more effective after the biofilm barrier is effectively removed. Your toothpaste and mouthwash can now reach areas that were previously protected by biofilm.
Many patients find that their home care routine feels more effective after air polishing cleanings. Their teeth stay cleaner longer, and they experience less plaque buildup between appointments.
Healthy Teeth, Happy Smile
Everyone benefits from routine dental cleanings and exams—but an air polishing and ultrasonic cleaning takes it a step further. It reveals areas of your oral health that could use more attention, allowing you to take an active role and protect your smile.
Every dental visit is an investment worth making.
Keep your smile bright, healthy, and beautiful, and schedule your routine dental cleaning and exam with Fairlawn Dental Centre.
