Glossary entry

Erythritol Powder

Also called: Erythritol prophy powder

Erythritol powder is a sugar-alcohol-based air polishing powder with a particle size around 14 microns, noted for low abrasiveness and suitability for subgingival and peri-implant applications.

What is erythritol powder?

Erythritol powder is an air polishing consumable based on the sugar alcohol erythritol, typically formulated at ~14 micron particle size — the finest commercially available dental prophy powder. Erythritol is non-cariogenic, soluble in water, and well-tolerated by oral soft tissues.

Erythritol was introduced commercially in 2012 (EMS AIRFLOW Plus) and has since expanded to competing SKUs from Acteon, Mectron, NSK, W&H, and generics. It is positioned as a direct upgrade path from glycine for practices wanting a single powder across all clinical scenarios.

When is it used?

Erythritol is indicated for:

Erythritol generally requires a combined tabletop system or a compatible handpiece — older sodium-bicarbonate-only handpieces are not rated for it.

Further Reading