Glossary entry
Glycine Powder
Also called: Glycine prophy powder
Glycine powder is a low-abrasive amino-acid-based air polishing powder with a typical particle size around 25 microns, used for biofilm removal including in subgingival and peri-implant contexts.
What is glycine powder?
Glycine powder is a dental air polishing consumable made from the amino acid glycine, formulated as a fine crystalline powder with typical particle sizes in the 20-25 micron range. It dissolves in water and saliva, which limits abrasion and aerosol persistence.
Glycine was the first air polishing powder validated for subgingival use and remains the reference powder in much of the peri-implant and periodontal literature. It is approximately 80% less abrasive than sodium bicarbonate on enamel.
When is it used?
Glycine is indicated for:
- Subgingival air polishing (pockets up to ~5 mm with standard nozzle, deeper with dedicated subgingival nozzles)
- Peri-implant maintenance
- Periodontal maintenance on natural dentition
- Patients with exposed root surfaces or dentin hypersensitivity