Teeth Cleanings in Bethesda & Chevy Chase, MD

Even if you are brushing and flossing your teeth perfectly at home, it is still important to receive a professional dental cleaning at Smiles of Chevy Chase twice a year. Using state-of-the-art instruments, a bi-annual professional dental cleaning removes built-up plaque and tartar while polishing your enamel for a brighter, healthier smile. During your cleaning, you can get tips from our team about caring for your teeth at home, and you will also discover any areas of your mouth that may require special attention. A professional dental cleaning will give experienced dentist Dr. Despina Markogiannakis the opportunity to identify any problem areas in your mouth that could require treatment. Getting a professional dental cleaning is an important part of maintaining your oral health so schedule an appointment for yourself and your family at our Chevy Chase, MD office.

The American Dental Association (ADA) suggests that people schedule professional dental cleanings twice every year. Babies should receive their first dental exam before their first birthday. Following that, Dr. Marko will help you determine when your child is ready for their next dental appointment. A professional cleaning can prevent cavities because plaque buildup, the most common cause of tooth decay, is removed. A cleaning will also address tartar and stains on the enamel. If you’d like to brighten your smile, freshen your breath, boost your health, and save money in the long run, schedule a cleaning for yourself and every member of your family at Smiles of Chevy Chase.

A professional cleaning begins with the removal of plaque and tartar that has built up on your teeth. This can be difficult to treat on your own, no matter how regularly you brush and floss. Special instruments are used to carefully scale buildup without harming the tooth. First, an ultrasonic device addresses bigger chunks of tartar and plaque with high-speed vibrations and a lubricating mist. Then, handheld instruments, like a curette or scaler, will be used to remove smaller pieces. Each tooth needs to be individually scaled to banish all of the tartar and plaque. Once the teeth have been cleaned, the enamel will be polished to remove stains and strengthen the teeth. If needed or requested, a fluoride treatment can be performed after the cleaning.

Dr. Marko may suggest receiving cleanings more frequently for some patients with concerns, like gum disease. During your cleaning, Dr. Marko or a member of her team can help you develop a good home oral care routine by demonstrating techniques or recommending products that will address your specific concerns. These can be very beneficial for your teeth, overall health, and wallet in the long-run so make sure you schedule and go to your dental cleanings at our dental practice, Smiles of Chevy Chase.

A professional dental cleaning is considered a preventive procedure so it is usually covered by dental insurance. Our office will contact your insurance company to determine your specific coverage and then calculate any out-of-pocket costs. If you do not have dental insurance, please talk to Dr. Marko about different payments we accept, including medical financing.

Keep your smile healthy and bright with dental cleanings twice a year at Smiles of Chevy Chase. At her Chevy Chase, MD dental practice, experienced dentist Dr. Markogiannakis and her team work with patients to improve their oral and overall health with professional cleanings to remove built-up plaque and tartar. As an important part of a proactive dental care plan, a professional cleaning can save you and your family from a lot of trouble and expensive treatments later on. Contact our front office to schedule a cleaning for yourself and your family.