Why We Talk About Nutrition at Your Dental Visit and Our Whole-Health Perspective at Mary Glasheen Dentistry

At Mary Glasheen Dentistry, we understand that your oral health is part of a much bigger picture. What’s happening in your mouth is often a reflection of what’s happening in the rest of your body. That’s why we’ve built our dental care philosophy around prevention, whole-person awareness, and meaningful patient education.

If you’re visiting our Lubbock dental office for the first time, you’ll notice we do things a little differently. Before we even examine your teeth, we take time to connect, understand your goals, and talk about your health habits, including what you eat.
For many patients, this is the first time a dentist has ever asked them about their diet. But current research and our own experience both point to one clear truth: what you eat plays a direct role in your dental health.

Recent research published in General Dentistry (May/June 2025) by the Academy of General Dentistry supports what we’ve practiced for years. The article, titled “The Role of Nutrition in Oral Disease Prevention,” highlights the connection between diet and oral health. It confirms that nutrition should not be considered an optional conversation. It is essential for effective prevention and healing.

Why Nutrition Belongs in the Dental Chair

A recent article published in General Dentistry (May/June 2025) confirms what we’ve long believed at Mary Glasheen Dentistry. Titled “The Role of Nutrition in Oral Disease Prevention,” the article explains how food and nutrient intake directly affect not only your risk of developing oral diseases but also your ability to heal and maintain oral health.

Here’s what the research and our daily patient experience tells us:
– Sugar feeds harmful bacteria. The more often your teeth are exposed to sugar—even from “healthy” options like smoothies or dried fruit—the more likely those bacteria will thrive and lead to tooth decay.
– Acid weakens enamel. Carbonated water, citrus juices, and even diet sodas may seem harmless but can slowly wear down the protective outer layer of your teeth, increasing sensitivity and risk for future dental issues.
– Nutritional deficiencies affect healing. Low levels of calcium, vitamin C, or vitamin D can slow your body’s ability to recover from inflammation or dental treatments and raise your risk of gum disease.

What This Looks Like at Your First Visit

When you come in for your first appointment at Mary Glasheen Dentistry, you’ll notice our care starts with a conversation.
We’ll ask questions about your nutrition, hydration, and overall health habits—not to criticize, but to understand. Our goal is to offer you more than a standard dental exam. We want to give you informed, thoughtful care that addresses the why behind your symptoms.

We often find that patients already know some of the basics but have never connected them directly to dental outcomes. That’s where we can help.

Some of the conversations we have include:
– How to choose snacks that protect enamel rather than wear it down
– Why spacing out meals is better than grazing all day
– When to brush or rinse after acidic foods or drinks
– What nutrients support better healing after dental work

Here’s what you can expect when you become a patient with us:
– Insight and prevention: You’ll learn how to make simple, strategic choices that help protect your teeth.
– Tailored advice: We meet you where you are, with realistic suggestions that fit your lifestyle.
– Long-term support: We care about helping you stay healthy, not just about fixing problems.
– A gentle experience: Whether you’re managing dental anxiety or just looking for a more comfortable environment, we focus on calm, respectful care at every visit.

Our goal is to help you understand your health better and walk with you as you build habits that last.

Looking for a Dentist in Lubbock Who Sees the Whole Picture?
At Mary Glasheen Dentistry, we offer preventive and family dental care that prioritizes your long-term well-being. Our Lubbock dental office welcomes adults, children, and families who want more than just basic cleanings. We provide care that considers the whole person behind the smile.
📍 Mary Glasheen Dentistry – Serving Lubbock, TX
🌐 maryglasheendentistry.com
🦷 Gentle family care. Rooted in prevention. Focused on you.