Dr. Liz Garcia

05/30/2026

As a dentist, mom of 3, and someone who values health, I know how hard it can be to fit everything in.

Between patient care, school drop-offs, sports practices, laundry, meal prep, and trying to squeeze in a little time for myself, a full strength-training workout doesn’t always happen.

That’s one reason I’ve started incorporating a weighted vest into my daily walks.

As women approach menopause, we naturally begin to lose muscle mass and bone density due to hormonal changes. Strength training is one of the best tools we have to stay strong, support our metabolism, and protect our long-term health—but life doesn’t always make it easy.

A weighted vest is a simple way to increase the benefits of movement you’re already doing:
✔️ Supports bone health
✔️ Helps maintain muscle mass
✔️ Increases calorie burn
✔️ Improves balance and functional strength
✔️ Makes everyday walks more effective

Some days my “workout” is simply walking while my kids ride their bikes or scooter alongside me—and that’s okay.

Health doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Small habits done consistently can have a huge impact over time.

What are some ways you fit movement into your busy life?

If you’re a busy woman trying to prioritize your health, remember: perfect isn’t required. Consistency wins.💪✨

05/24/2026

Happy Memorial Day weekend!

Weekend at our house looks like this. Bare feet in the dirt, seedlings in hand, zero concern about getting messy.

And honestly? That’s exactly how it should be.

The research is pretty clear: kids who spend time in nature, who get their hands dirty, who are exposed to the bacteria that live in soil and plants and outdoor air, develop stronger, more diverse microbiomes. And a diverse microbiome is one of the foundations of a healthy immune system.

We’ve become so focused on keeping everything clean and sterile that we’ve actually started working against our own biology. Especially for growing kids.

Dirt isn’t the enemy. Disconnection from nature is.

This is something I think about as both a mom and a dentist, because gut health and oral health are deeply connected. Your gut microbiome is where nutrient and mineral absorption actually happens. Without that working well, your body struggles to heal after procedures, fight off infection, and maintain the minerals your teeth and bones depend on every single day.

You can’t out-supplement a compromised gut. The foundation has to be there first.

So let them get dirty. Plant something together. Take your shoes off.

It’s genuinely good medicine.

05/24/2026

05/23/2026

Just trying to get some feed back about these whitening mint strips

05/22/2026

X-rays are one of the things I won’t skip — and here’s why.

I’m not taking them to hit a billing quota or get more from your insurance. I take them because I cannot see between your teeth, under old fillings, or at the bone level with just my eyes. And by the time something shows up visually or starts hurting, it’s usually already bigger than we want it to be.

A cavity I catch today on an X-ray is a simple, affordable fix. That same cavity in a year? We might be talking root canal or extraction. I’d rather show you something small on a screen than have that conversation later.

I hear you on the radiation concern — I have it too. But digital technology has come so far. We’re using up to 80% less radiation than older film, and a full set of X-rays exposes you to less than a short flight.

My job is to help you keep your teeth for life. Catching things when they’re small is how we do that.

05/21/2026

Most people don’t realize a dental cleaning can do more than just remove buildup.

When we use our diode laser during your cleaning, we’re targeting the bacteria that live below the gumline — the ones that brushing, flossing, and even traditional cleaning can’t fully reach.

Here’s why that matters: gum disease isn’t just a mouth problem. The bacteria driving it have been linked to heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and pregnancy complications. Getting them under control is genuinely good for your whole body.

What patients notice most? Less bleeding, less sensitivity, and gums that actually heal — not just gums that get cleaned and slowly go right back to where they were.

It takes just a few extra minutes. The difference it makes is real.

Curious if laser therapy makes sense for you? We love talking through it!

05/17/2026

Another great Sunday! Helped a turtle back to the water, Marco hit a few fairways and had his first actual, for real Bogey (5 on a par 4) and topped off with some ice cream!

05/17/2026

Update: turtle made it back in the water