Biofilm Therapy
Biofilm Therapy is a professional cleaning treatment focused on identifying and removing dental biofilm from the teeth, gumline and other difficult-to-reach areas of the mouth.
Dental biofilm is a sticky layer of bacteria that continually develops on the teeth. When it is not removed effectively, it can contribute to bleeding gums, bad breath, tooth decay, gingivitis and periodontal disease.
Why might Biofilm Therapy be recommended?
- Plaque build-up around the teeth and gumline
- Bleeding, swollen or inflamed gums
- Gingivitis or early signs of periodontal disease
- Maintenance following periodontal treatment
- Cleaning around crowns, bridges, implants or orthodontic appliances
- Surface staining caused by tea, coffee or smoking
- Areas that are difficult to clean effectively at home
What is dental biofilm?
Dental biofilm is more than loose food debris. It is an organised layer of bacteria that attaches to the teeth, restorations and gumline.
Biofilm can be difficult to see and may remain in areas that appear clean. If it is allowed to build up, it can irritate the gums and contribute to inflammation and disease.
What happens during treatment?
Your teeth and gums will first be assessed so the treatment can be adapted to your individual oral health needs.
A disclosing solution may be applied to make areas of biofilm visible. This highlights where bacteria are collecting and helps guide both the professional cleaning and the personalised advice provided for your home-care routine.
The biofilm is then carefully removed using suitable professional equipment. Depending on your needs, this may include air polishing, powered ultrasonic instruments or hand instruments.
What is air polishing?
Air polishing uses a controlled stream of water, air and fine cleaning powder to remove soft biofilm and many types of external staining from the tooth surfaces.
It can be particularly useful around the gumline, between the teeth and around selected dental restorations or appliances. The equipment and settings used will be chosen according to the condition of your teeth and gums.
Is Biofilm Therapy the same as a scale and polish?
Not exactly. A traditional scale and polish often focuses mainly on removing hardened calculus and polishing visible tooth surfaces.
Biofilm Therapy places greater emphasis on locating and removing the bacterial biofilm first. Any remaining hardened calculus can then be removed more selectively using suitable instruments.
Will the treatment hurt?
Many patients find Biofilm Therapy comfortable, particularly when fine-powder air polishing and warm water are used.
You may still notice sensitivity, pressure or mild tenderness if your gums are inflamed or if deeper areas require cleaning. Please mention any discomfort so the treatment can be adjusted where possible.
What can the treatment remove?
- Soft plaque biofilm
- Biofilm around the gumline
- Deposits between the teeth
- Selected biofilm beneath the gumline
- Surface staining from food, drinks or smoking
- Hardened calculus when additional instrumentation is used
Biofilm Therapy can make the teeth appear cleaner and brighter by removing external staining, but it does not change the natural colour of the teeth in the same way as professional whitening.
Is it suitable for dental implants?
Biofilm Therapy may be used around suitable dental implants, crowns and implant-supported restorations using carefully selected instruments and settings.
Implant cleaning must be adapted to the health of the surrounding tissues and the design of the restoration, so every area will be assessed individually.
What can I expect afterwards?
Your teeth should feel smoother and thoroughly cleaned. Where external staining has been removed, they may also appear fresher and brighter.
If your gums were inflamed, mild tenderness or bleeding may occur for a short time. This should improve as plaque levels reduce and your daily cleaning becomes more effective.
How can I maintain the results?
- Brush thoroughly twice each day using fluoride toothpaste
- Clean between the teeth daily using the recommended brushes or floss
- Use any disclosed areas as a guide for improving your technique
- Attend appointments at the interval recommended for your oral health
- Reduce smoking and frequent sugary foods where possible
- Continue any personalised periodontal or implant-care routine
Helping you see what brushing can miss
Biofilm Therapy provides a targeted approach to professional cleaning by making hidden plaque easier to identify and remove. Combined with effective daily home care, it can help reduce inflammation and support healthier teeth and gums over the long term.