If you suffer from sensitive teeth, you’re likely all too familiar with the discomfort that comes with daily activities like sipping cold water, savouring a hot coffee, or even simply brushing your teeth. The thought of a dental cleaning might seem out of the question. But what if there was a gentler alternative?

At our Bristol dental practice, we’ve recently introduced Airflow®—a cutting-edge dental cleaning technique designed to be more comfortable for those with sensitive teeth. Curious about how it works? Let’s dive into the details.

What is Airflow?

Airflow is an advanced dental cleaning method that uses a precise mixture of water, air, and fine powder to remove plaque, stains, and tartar from teeth. Unlike traditional scaling tools, which can feel harsh and uncomfortable, Airflow is designed to be gentle on the teeth and gums. The treatment is typically faster and less invasive, making it an ideal option for those who want to maintain good oral hygiene without any discomfort—especially our patients with sensitive teeth.

How Does Airflow Work?

Airflow operates by directing a high-velocity stream of air, water, and a fine powder onto the teeth and gums. But don’t be scared by the high-velocity! It’s actually very gentle.

This stream effectively dislodges and removes surface stains, plaque, and bacteria without the need for abrasive scraping. The soft powder ensures that the enamel is not damaged during the process.

At our Bristol practice, we combine Airflow with Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) to ensure a thorough cleaning experience. This synergy between treatments provides an exceptional level of freshness that is suitable for patients with sensitive teeth, those with dentures, and even children!

Read our latest blog post to learn more about how Guided Biofilm Therapy and Airflow work together to create beautiful, healthy smiles.

Benefits of Airflow for Sensitive Teeth

• Gentler on Enamel: The fine powder used in Airflow is less abrasive than traditional dental tools, reducing the risk of micro-abrasions or enamel wear, which can worsen sensitivity.

• Temperature Control: The mixture of air and water can be adjusted to a comfortable temperature, helping to avoid the discomfort that extreme temperatures can cause for sensitive teeth.

• Targeted Cleaning: Airflow allows for precise targeting of problem areas without irritating surrounding gums and teeth, which is particularly beneficial for localised sensitivity.

• Less Invasive: Airflow is a non-contact technique, minimising the risk of triggering pain or discomfort in sensitive areas.

• Powders Filling Dentin Tubules: The fine powder used in the treatment can help fill exposed dentin tubules. These tiny channels in the dentin layer are often the source of tooth sensitivity, as they connect to the nerves inside the tooth. By filling these tubules, the powder helps to reduce sensitivity over time, providing both immediate comfort during the cleaning and long-term relief.

Can Airflow Help Whiten Sensitive Teeth?

If you have sensitive teeth, you may have steered clear of teeth whitening in the past due to the risk of increased sensitivity, even if you long for a brighter smile.

Airflow offers a gentler alternative that can brighten your smile without the intensity of traditional whitening procedures.

While Airflow cannot whiten teeth beyond their natural colour, it’s highly effective at removing surface stains from coffee, tea, wine, and tobacco, revealing a fresher, cleaner appearance.

Additionally, the fine powder used in Airflow can fill exposed dentine tubules, potentially reducing tooth sensitivity over time. This makes Airflow an excellent pre-whitening treatment, helping to lower sensitivity levels so you can consider future whitening treatments with more confidence.

Although Airflow isn’t a full substitute for professional whitening, it offers a subtle whitening effect by restoring your teeth’s natural colour. For those with sensitivity, this gentle approach can lead to a noticeable improvement in the brightness of their smile without the discomfort associated with traditional whitening methods.

If you’re interested in teeth whitening but concerned about sensitivity, please reach out to our team today. We’ll examine your smile and discuss whether whitening is a suitable option for you, as well as explore additional solutions like specialised toothpastes and sealants to help relieve and manage sensitivity.

Considerations Before Choosing Airflow

 

While Airflow has numerous benefits, it may not be suitable for everyone. Here are a few factors to consider:

Underlying Dental Issues: If your sensitivity is due to underlying dental issues like cavities, gum disease, or exposed dentin, these problems need to be addressed before undergoing Airflow. The treatment is not a replacement for necessary dental work.

Consultation with Your Dentist: Always consult with your dentist to determine whether Airflow is the right choice for you. They can assess the cause of your sensitivity and recommend the best course of action.

Airflow at The Bristol Dental Practice

Our Bristol practice is home to a highly experienced team of six dental hygienists and therapists led by our specialist periodontist, Dr Joel Thomas. You can trust that you’ll experience exceptional care when you choose to undergo treatment with us.

 

Dr Joel Thomas, Specialist Periodontist

 

Before any procedure, we’ll invite you for a consultation to discuss your concerns and sensitivity areas, tailoring your treatment plan to ensure maximum comfort. Our dentists always listen, so please let us know how we can make your hygienist appointments as comfortable as possible.

Final Thoughts

Airflow is a promising option for those with sensitive teeth who are looking for a more comfortable dental cleaning experience. Its less-invasive approach, temperature control, and precise targeting make it an excellent alternative to traditional methods. Additionally, if you’re interested in brightening your smile, Airflow can help remove surface stains and subtly whiten teeth, especially if professional whitening hasn’t been an option for you before.

To book a consultation with our team, please contact us today at 0117 910 5929 or book a consultation with Joel online.

We look forward to meeting you!