Erythritol Air Polishing Powder: What Is Actually Sold in the EU
Correction (8 October 2026)
An earlier version of this page compared six erythritol powders from six brands. We could not verify that comparison: we found no erythritol air polishing powder on sale in the EU other than EMS's AIRFLOW PLUS, several of the listed products are glycine powders, one product name could not be found at all, and the particle sizes, pack formats and per-treatment costs had no source. The page has been rewritten with what we could verify.
Erythritol and glycine are low-abrasive powders used for biofilm removal below the gumline and around implants. In the European Union the choice between them is partly made by a patent: EMS holds the European patent on erythritol air polishing powder, so erythritol is available only as EMS's AIRFLOW PLUS, for use in EMS devices. Other brands offer glycine powders for the same kind of work. All prices below are public ex-VAT listings checked on 8 October 2026.
Erythritol: EMS AIRFLOW PLUS
EMS describes AIRFLOW PLUS as an erythritol-based powder with a particle size of 14 µm. It is the powder used in EMS's erythritol devices, including the AIRFLOW Handy 3.0 PLUS handpiece and EMS tabletop units such as the AIRFLOW Prophylaxis Master. An EMS distributor states that EMS devices are designed and tested for use with EMS powders only. Dentaltix France listed a 400 g bottle at €89.00 ex-VAT, which works out at €22.25 per 100 g.
Glycine powders from other brands
| Powder | Brand | Chemistry and particle size (as stated) | Pack | Public price, ex-VAT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AIR-N-GO PERIO | Acteon | Glycine, about 25 µm (Acteon brochure) | — | Not verified |
| AIRFLOW PERIO | EMS | Glycine, about 25 µm (distributor listings) | 4 × 120 g | Not verified in the EU |
| Glycine Powder Sensitive | Mectron | Glycine; particles "much smaller than 63 µm" (Dentaltix) | 2 × 160 g | €65.00 (Dentaltix FR) |
| Perio-Mate Powder | NSK | Glycine, 25 µm average (distributor listings) | 2 × 160 g | Not verified |
| Prophylaxis Powder SENSITIVE | W&H | Glycine-based, 25 µm (W&H) | 2 × 160 g | Not verified |
| Gentle PT-S3 | Woodpecker | Glycine, 25 µm (Dentaltix) | 120 g | €14.80 (Dentaltix FR) |
Brands are listed alphabetically. "Not verified" means we did not find a public EU price we could check on that date. A powder's particle size and indications are set by its manufacturer, so check the device's instructions for use before loading a powder from another brand.
Erythritol or glycine?
Clinical studies have compared the two powders for subgingival use, for implant maintenance and for patient comfort. We summarise that evidence separately, with study details, in erythritol vs glycine: the clinical evidence, and powder selection more broadly in how to choose a prophy powder. For implant surfaces, see air polishing on implants; for a newer powder under study, see trehalose air polishing.
Before you buy powder
- Check which powders the device's instructions for use allow; EMS devices, for example, are designed for EMS powders.
- Compare prices per 100 g rather than per pack; our buyer's guide lists public prices for eight powders.
- Match the powder to the indication the manufacturer states (supragingival, subgingival, implants).
Sources
- EMS AIRFLOW PLUS: EMS product page; Dentaltix listing. EMS powders only: Optident.
- Acteon AIR-N-GO powders: Acteon brochure (PDF).
- EMS AIRFLOW PERIO: DD Group listing.
- Mectron Glycine Powder Sensitive: Dentaltix listing.
- NSK Perio-Mate Powder: Henry Schein listing; Esadental listing.
- W&H prophylaxis powders: W&H product page.
- Woodpecker Gentle PT-S3: Dentaltix listing.