Dental Cleanings | Dental Hygiene Service

Everyone should clean their teeth at home by regularly flossing and brushing. However, there are spaces in our mouths that are difficult to clean on our own, which is why we all need to have our teeth professionally cleaned every few months by a dental hygienist. As your local dental practice, our job is to keep our patients oral health in check. We do this by providing our patients with an oral exam and thorough cleaning of their mouth. A dental cleaning involves the removal of plaque, polishing, and instructing on proper oral care from home.


To break it down further, a dental cleaning helps remove excess plaque from hard-to-reach places in our mouths. Plaque is a mostly invisible sticky film of bacteria that forms on our teeth when we eat and drink. The bacteria in plaque acts as an acid that can decay tooth enamel and cause cavities.

If left untreated, plaque turns to tartar, and tartar can form a shield overtop of our gums that can cause inflammation, which can cause bleeding and the gumline to be pushed down, which in turn causes tooth sensitivity and even tooth and bone loss.


We understand that there are patients who do not wish to come into the office, for one reason or another. Typically, patients tend to skip dental visits due to anxiety, dental pain, income, or the lack of dental insurance. These are all valid reasons that our dentist can address with you on your next visit as it is even more important to care for your health, which includes your oral health. Please call our office if you have certain care requirements.

Tooth Desensitization and Fluoride Treatment

If a taste of ice cream or a sip of hot coffee is sometimes a painful experience for you, then you most likely suffer from sensitive teeth. Dental sensitivity is very common amongst adults and there are many reasons why teeth become sensitive. Most often, it is due to root exposure. We offer treatment to decrease that sensitivity with minimal to no discomfort by applying a fluoride gel or other desensitizing agent to your teeth. This process is simple and can have long-lasting affects on the strength of your enamel and the transmission of painful sensations to the nerves of your teeth. Usually, tooth sensitivity occurs because of bone loss, vigorous brushing, clenching/grinding of teeth, acid wear on teeth, smoking, periodontal surgery, cancer treatment, and dry mouth.


Fluoride is used to help prevent tooth decay and is usually recommended for children up to 18-years old but is determined by your oral health. Fluoride treatment helps if you have a history of tooth decay or sensitivity around your teeth and gums, and also helps by strengthening the enamel on your teeth.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How often should I get a professional dental cleaning?

    Most patients benefit from professional dental cleanings approximately every six months to help maintain healthy teeth and gums. However, the ideal cleaning frequency depends on factors such as your oral hygiene habits, gum health, and history of dental problems. Patients with periodontal disease or increased plaque buildup may require more frequent visits. At Luma Ajlouni DDS, our team can recommend a personalized cleaning schedule based on your individual oral health needs.

  • What happens during a professional dental cleaning?

    During a professional dental cleaning, our dental team removes plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth, including areas that may be difficult to reach with regular brushing and flossing. The teeth are then polished to help remove surface stains and leave them feeling smooth. Your appointment may also include an evaluation of your gum health, an oral examination, and personalized recommendations for maintaining good oral hygiene between dental visits.

  • Is professional dental cleaning painful?

    Most routine dental cleanings are comfortable and cause little to no discomfort. However, patients with sensitive teeth, inflamed gums, exposed tooth roots, or significant tartar buildup may experience temporary sensitivity during the procedure. At Luma Ajlouni DDS, our team takes a gentle approach and can adjust the cleaning process to help improve your comfort. Regular dental cleanings may also help reduce gum inflammation and sensitivity over time.

  • How long does a dental cleaning appointment take?

    A routine professional dental cleaning typically takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes, although the exact duration depends on your oral health and individual treatment needs. Patients with significant plaque or tartar buildup may require additional time, while appointments that include dental examinations or X-rays may take longer. Our team at Luma Ajlouni DDS will evaluate your needs and provide the appropriate care during your visit.

  • How much does a dental cleaning cost?

    The cost of a professional dental cleaning varies depending on the type of cleaning required, your oral health condition, and whether additional examinations or X-rays are needed. At Luma Ajlouni DDS, we offer a 12-month Hygiene In-Office Plan for $575 for patients ages 14 and up. This plan includes two cleanings, two examinations, a full-mouth series of X-rays, and other preventive services. Deep cleanings are not included in the plan.

Ready for a Healthier, Cleaner Smile?

Regular dental cleanings help remove plaque and tartar, prevent cavities, and maintain healthy gums. At Luma Ajlouni DDS, our team provides gentle, personalized preventive care to help you maintain a healthy smile.

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