Visit Us
8700 Menchaca Rd STE 102, Austin, TX 78748
We accept most major insurance plans and handle all the paperwork for you!
Visit Us
8700 Menchaca Rd STE 102, Austin, TX 78748
We accept most major insurance plans and handle all the paperwork for you!
Ten years, thousands of patients, and countless “I wish I had known that sooner” moments have taught us something important: South Austin families deserve more than just dental treatment. They deserve a genuine understanding of their oral health. That’s why we’ve made patient education the cornerstone of everything we do at Grand Oaks Dentistry.
Dr. Sharma and our experienced team have compiled these answers to the most common questions we receive. If you don’t find what you’re looking for here, we encourage you to call us at (512) 291-1666. We’re always happy to discuss your specific concerns and help you understand your options.
We recommend visiting every six months for routine cleanings and exams. Regular visits enable us to identify problems early, when they’re easier and less expensive to treat. During these visits, our skilled hygienists can remove plaque and tartar in areas you may miss during your daily routine, helping to prevent cavities and gum disease before they develop.
Effective brushing requires the right technique and timing. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gumline, making small circular motions or gentle back-and-forth strokes. Brush all surfaces of your teeth—front, back, and chewing surfaces—for at least two minutes. Remember, gentle pressure is more effective than aggressive scrubbing, which can actually damage your enamel.
Take about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around your middle fingers, leaving 1-2 inches to work with. Gently guide the floss between your teeth using a rubbing motion, then curve it into a C-shape against one tooth and slide it up and down. Clean both sides of each tooth, and don’t forget to floss behind your back molars.
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth from food particles and saliva. When left undisturbed, plaque hardens into tartar, which can only be removed by professional cleaning. This bacterial buildup produces acids that attack tooth enamel, leading to cavities, and toxins that irritate gums, causing gingivitis and potentially more serious gum disease.
Early detection is crucial for effective treatment of gum disease. Watch for these symptoms:
If you notice any of these signs, contact us immediately. Early-stage gum disease (gingivitis) is completely reversible with proper treatment and improved home care.
The best defense against gum disease combines excellent daily oral hygiene with regular professional care. Brush twice daily, floss once daily, and maintain your regular dental appointments. A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals also supports healthy gums and teeth.
Tooth discoloration happens naturally as we age. Our outer enamel layer gradually thins, allowing the yellowish dentin underneath to show through. Additionally, foods and beverages such as coffee, tea, and red wine, as well as certain medications, can stain teeth over time.
We provide professional whitening solutions that deliver superior results compared to over-the-counter products. For example, in-office whitening produces dramatic results in about an hour using professional-strength whitening gel applied under carefully controlled conditions.
Take-home whitening kits feature custom-fitted trays and professional-grade gel, allowing you to use them at your convenience. These typically require a few days to weeks of use, depending on your desired results.
Both options are safer and more effective than store-bought alternatives because they use higher-quality ingredients and custom-fitted application methods.
Professional whitening typically lasts one to three years, depending on your lifestyle habits. Avoiding staining foods and beverages, not smoking, and maintaining excellent oral hygiene help preserve your results longer. Most patients find that occasional touch-up treatments effectively maintain their bright smile.
Chronic bad breath (halitosis) often indicates an underlying issue that requires professional evaluation. While poor oral hygiene is a common cause, persistent bad breath can also result from gum disease, dry mouth, certain medications, or other health conditions. We can identify the root cause and recommend appropriate treatment to eliminate the problem rather than just masking it.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children receive their first orthodontic screening by age 7. At this age, we can evaluate jaw development and tooth positioning to identify potential issues early. Early detection enables us to monitor development and intervene when necessary, often preventing more serious problems and simplifying treatment later.
Every patient’s situation is unique, and we understand you may have concerns specific to your oral health needs. Dr. Sharma has been serving the South Austin community for over 10 years, building trust through honest communication, conservative treatment recommendations, and genuine care for each patient’s well-being. Our team combines state-of-the-art technology with personalized attention to ensure you receive the highest quality care.
Don’t let unanswered questions hinder your pursuit of optimal oral health. Contact Grand Oaks Dentistry today at (512) 291-1666 or complete our online content form to schedule your appointment and experience the difference that comes from working with a dental team that truly cares about your questions, concerns, and long-term oral health success.
