The Smile Files 🦷

The Summer Edition

ASK THE DENTIST
with Dr. Despina Markogiannakis

With so many dental products and so much conflicting advice, it can be hard to know what actually works. So we asked Dr. Despina Markogiannakis the questions people really want answered.

What toothbrush does a dentist use at home? Are whitening strips worth it? Does mouthwash make a meaningful difference?

In this edition of The Smile Files, Dr. Markogiannakis shares straightforward, practical advice to help you make smarter choices for a healthier smile.

Have a question for Dr. Markogiannakis? Send it our way. Email info@smilesofchevychase.com It may be featured in the next edition.

I love this question because the right toothbrush can make a real difference. I use a high-quality electric toothbrush—specifically one with a pressure sensor and timer. It delivers a consistently thorough clean without being too aggressive on enamel or gums, which is key for long-term oral health. My favorite is the Oral-B iO.

Is that mostly a professional preference, or is an electric toothbrush genuinely worth the extra money for the rest of us?

Honestly, yes, it is worth it. Many patients notice an improvement in plaque removal and gum health after switching to an electric toothbrush. It takes much of the guesswork out of brushing and helps make every routine more effective.

Okay, you’ve convinced us on the toothbrush. Floss is where people get oddly loyal—what do you use?

My choice? A soft, shred-resistant floss that glides easily, especially if you have tight spaces between your teeth. Personally, I love Cocofloss. The best floss is the one you’ll use daily, so comfort matters more than brand.

And while we’re building the full lineup: favorite toothpaste?

I keep this one simple, but it’s an important one: choose a fluoride toothpaste with enamel-strengthening properties. I usually recommend formulas that are effective without being overly abrasive, especially for everyday, long-term use. A good toothpaste should protect your teeth without doing more than necessary.

Whitening strips seem like the easiest shortcut to a brighter smile. Are you a fan—or should people be more careful with them than they realize?

Whitening strips can be helpful, but they have their limits. They may improve mild surface stains, but they are not the right solution for everyone. Overuse can cause sensitivity, and they cannot treat deeper discoloration. For more consistent results, professional whitening offers a safer, more controlled approach, with results that are often more predictable.

Let’s switch to the parents for a minute. What’s your number-one tip for brushing a toddler’s teeth without turning bedtime into a full negotiation?

With toddlers, make it simple and predictable. Sit them in your lap, gently tilt their head back, and keep brushing quick and calm. The goal is not to win a negotiation every night. It is to build a familiar routine that gradually becomes easier for both of you.

Now for the answer coffee drinkers may not want to hear: Does coffee really stain your teeth?

Coffee lovers may not love this answer, but yes, coffee is a major cause of staining. Its dark pigments build up on enamel over time, especially if you sip it throughout the day. A quick rinse with water afterward, along with regular cleanings, can help keep your smile brighter.

How often should we really be replacing a toothbrush? Is the three-month rule actually a real thing?

Here’s the easy rule: replace your toothbrush every three months, or sooner if the bristles start to fray. Once the bristles are worn, they simply cannot clean your teeth as effectively.

We’ve covered the toothbrush, floss, and toothpaste. Complete the lineup for us: favorite mouthwash?

My pick is an alcohol-free mouthwash with fluoride. It helps strengthen enamel without drying out your mouth. ACT and select Listerine formulas are two of my favorites, but always check the label for both “alcohol-free” and “fluoride.”

But is mouthwash actually necessary—or is it just a nice extra for people who are already doing the basics?

Think of mouthwash as the finishing touch, not the foundation. Good brushing and flossing do the heavy lifting; mouthwash simply adds an extra layer of protection. It can be helpful, but it is not a substitute or an absolute necessity.

Parents see so many “training toothpastes” made for young children. Are they a helpful first step, or do they fall short when it comes to cavity protection?

They can make brushing feel easier, but many toddler toothpastes are fluoride-free and do not provide the same cavity protection. Once the first tooth appears, use a tiny, rice-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste. Around age 3, increase to a pea-sized amount and supervise brushing. 

If you could get every patient to adopt one habit—the one most likely to spare them thousands in dental work later—what would it be?

Without hesitation: floss every day. It may be one of the simplest habits, but it is also one of the most overlooked. Daily flossing reaches the areas your toothbrush cannot, helping prevent the decay and gum disease that can eventually lead to more extensive and costly treatment.

All right, last one. If you had to boil everything down to one daily rule for perfect teeth, what would you tell people?

If I had to boil it down: Brush thoroughly twice a day and clean between your teeth once daily. If you do those two things consistently, you’re ahead of 90% of people.

Dr. Despina Markogiannakis is the owner of Smiles of Chevy Chase and a top-rated dentist in the D.C. region. Recognized by Washingtonian, Potomac, Bethesda, and Washington Jewish Journal magazines, she specializes in restorative, cosmetic, general, and implant dentistry, with a reputation for expertise, compassion, and trust. To schedule an appointment, call (301) 652-0656 or email info@smilesofchevychase.com.