GBT — painless dental cleaning in Lisbon

GBT (Guided Biofilm Therapy) is a revolutionary oral hygiene protocol developed by EMS in Switzerland. Unlike traditional scaling that scrapes teeth, GBT uses an 8-step system that first makes biofilm visible with dye, then gently removes it with AIRFLOW® technology — a warm water jet with erythritol powder. It's more comfortable, more effective, and safer for your teeth, gums, implants, and dental work.

The GBT protocol follows 8 systematic steps: 1) Assess - examine the mouth to check gum health; 2) Disclose - apply dye that makes biofilm visible; 3) Motivate - we show areas you're missing when brushing and give personalized guidance; 4) AIRFLOW® - gentle biofilm removal with warm water and erythritol powder; 5) PERIOFLOW® - cleaning of deep periodontal pockets (when needed); 6) PIEZON® - removal of residual tartar with low-vibration ultrasonics; 7) Check - confirmation that all biofilm and tartar have been removed; 8) Recall - scheduling the next appointment based on your individual risk.

The difference is significant: traditional cleaning mainly uses manual curettes and aggressive ultrasonics that scrape directly on teeth, which can cause discomfort and enamel damage. GBT reverses the approach — it first removes biofilm gently with AIRFLOW® (air + warm water + erythritol powder), leaving residual tartar exposed and easy to remove with precision ultrasonics. Result: less time in the chair (5 seconds per tooth vs 30-60 seconds), less discomfort, less tissue damage, and a more thorough cleaning.

Erythritol is a natural sugar alcohol derived from plant sources, used in AIRFLOW® PLUS powder. Its particles are extremely fine (14 microns — 2x smaller than glycine) and 37% harder, making it more effective at removing biofilm and stains while being less abrasive to tissues. Additionally, erythritol has proven antibacterial properties — it inhibits the growth of bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease. It's safe for use on natural teeth, implants, ceramics, composites, and orthodontics.

No — most patients describe GBT as comfortable. Most patients describe the sensation as "a warm water jet with a sweet taste." There's absolutely no scraping, no cold water, and no unpleasant noises. The water is heated to up to 40°C for maximum comfort. Patients with dental anxiety, tooth sensitivity, or those who avoided traditional cleanings due to discomfort report excellent tolerance to GBT. It's a great option for anyone who dreads dental cleaning appointments.

Biofilm is an organized community of bacteria that forms on teeth, gums, and tongue. It's virtually invisible to the naked eye but is the main cause of cavities, gingivitis, periodontitis, and bad breath. It forms constantly and, if not removed regularly, matures and becomes more resistant. Over time, it mineralizes forming tartar (calculus), which can only be removed professionally. GBT uses biofilm disclosing agents to make it visible, ensuring complete removal and showing patients the areas they need to improve when brushing.

Frequency is personalized based on your individual risk: low-risk patients (good hygiene, no gum disease) — every 6-12 months; moderate risk (gingivitis, rapid tartar buildup) — every 4-6 months; high risk (periodontitis, diabetes, smokers) — every 3-4 months. During your appointment, we assess your profile and recommend the ideal interval. GBT's preventive approach means that, over time and with improved home hygiene, many patients can extend their appointment intervals.

Yes — GBT is the gold standard for cleaning around dental implants, Invisalign aligners, orthodontic braces, crowns, veneers, and bridges. Erythritol powder is far less abrasive than traditional methods, making it completely safe for ceramics, composites, and titanium implant surfaces. For implant patients, studies show GBT is more effective at preventing peri-implantitis than conventional cleaning methods. For orthodontic patients wearing braces or Invisalign, GBT easily removes biofilm around brackets, wires, and attachment points — areas that are extremely difficult to clean with traditional instruments.

A complete GBT session takes approximately 45 minutes. However, the active working time on teeth is significantly less than in traditional scaling — only 5 seconds per tooth with AIRFLOW® vs 30-60 seconds with hand instruments. The extra time is dedicated to assessment, biofilm disclosure, patient education, and final verification — elements that make GBT more effective long-term.

The disclosing dye is an essential part of the GBT protocol. Since biofilm is nearly invisible to the naked eye, the dye (usually pink or purple) makes it visible, allowing: complete and verifiable removal; identification of areas you're missing when brushing; motivation to improve home hygiene; confirmation that cleaning was thorough. Different colors may indicate new biofilm (pink) vs old biofilm (blue/purple). The dye is completely safe, comes off easily during treatment, and doesn't stain teeth.

GBT is safe for the vast majority of patients, but there are some contraindications: severe respiratory diseases (uncontrolled severe asthma, advanced COPD); advanced chronic kidney disease; known allergies to powder ingredients (erythritol); patients who cannot breathe through their nose during the procedure. For pregnant women, it's safe and recommended, as gum health is crucial during pregnancy. If you have any medical conditions, please inform us so we can assess if GBT is suitable for you.

After GBT, you can eat and drink normally. Simple recommendations: avoid highly staining foods and drinks (coffee, red wine, beets) in the first 24-48 hours if you had polishing; maintain your routine of brushing 2x daily with a soft brush; use dental floss or interdental brushes daily; follow the personalized recommendations we gave during the session. The "smooth and clean teeth" effect lasts several weeks. With good home hygiene, you'll maintain results longer.

Ferreira Borges Dental Clinic offers GBT Guided Biofilm Therapy in Campo de Ourique, Lisbon. Our modern clinic features the latest EMS AIRFLOW® technology and a team of English-speaking dental professionals. Whether you're an expat living in Lisbon, a tourist needing dental care, or a local resident, we provide a welcoming, professional environment. We're conveniently located near Estrela and Príncipe Real, with easy access by tram and metro. Book your painless GBT cleaning appointment online or call us directly.