Dr. Liz Garcia

08/30/2026

Why Sipping Sports Drinks Over Time Damages Teeth More Than Chugging

We explain how sipping a sports drink across a two-hour practice causes more tooth damage than finishing it in five minutes, due to prolonged acid exposure. We discuss the pH levels, enamel erosion, and offer practical advice on when to consume these drinks—preferably after practice with food, and waiting 30 minutes before brushing.

08/29/2026

Check Your Nasal Breathing: A Simple Wellness Tip

We talk about a quick wellness tip: evaluate if you can comfortably breathe through your nose. We suggest closing your mouth, placing your tongue on the roof, and trying to breathe through your nose for two minutes. If you can’t, or if one nostril is blocked, we recommend discussing it with a dentist, primary care physician, ENT, or myofunctional therapist, as mouth breathing can reduce saliva and dry out your mouth.

08/28/2026

Michael Jackson always hits 😂

08/28/2026

Plaque vs. Tartar: The Dust and Cement Analogy

We explain the difference between plaque and tartar using a dust and cement analogy, emphasizing the importance of removing plaque before it hardens into tartar, especially below the gum line.

Dr. Katie To IABDM

08/27/2026

How a Patient on 20+ Medications Changed My Dental Practice Forever

I share a pivotal moment from my residency when a patient on over 20 medications, including three stool softeners, had severe tooth decay despite excellent oral hygiene. I realized that many of her medications caused dry mouth, which was destroying her teeth. Now, I focus on educating patients about saliva and the systemic causes of oral health issues, rather than just telling them to brush better. Dr. Katie To IABDM

08/26/2026

The Microbiome: What Dental School Didn’t Teach Me

I talk about how dental school never covered the microbiome, including the mouth’s own ecosystem of good and bad bacteria. I explain the delicate balance of nurturing good bacteria while reducing bad ones, and why I’m selective about products and procedures in my office.

08/25/2026

Why You Shouldn’t Brush Right After Eating

I talk about a common mistake patients make: brushing immediately after meals, especially acidic ones. I explain that your mouth needs 30-40 minutes for pH to neutralize, and brushing too soon can wear down softer enamel. Instead, I recommend rinsing with water.

08/24/2026

08/14/2026

The Rule I Keep Coming Back to After 11 Years in Dentistry

We talk about the guiding principle in dentistry that I rely on: do the smallest thing that actually solves the problem, not the smallest for patient happiness or the most thorough. This means sometimes choosing a smaller filling or monitoring a spot, and also referring to specialists when needed. Least invasive doesn’t mean least skilled—it means most considered.

08/13/2026

Diode Laser: The Dual-Purpose Tool for Gum Health and Healing

We talk about the diode laser my hygienists use daily at Arbor Falls Dental and Wellness. I explain how it targets dark-pigmented bacteria in gum pockets that your toothbrush can’t reach, and at lower settings, it stimulates circulation and reduces inflammation for faster healing on canker sores, cold sores, and sensitive roots.