Most people think gum disease is just “bleeding gums” or “a little inflammation now and then.” But in reality, periodontal disease is one of the most common — and most misunderstood — health conditions affecting adults today. And because it develops slowly, many people don’t realize how much it can impact their daily lives: persistent bad breath, swelling, discomfort, receding gums, temperature sensitivity, and even changes in the way their teeth fit together.
At Health & Beauty Dentistry in Kelowna, Dr. Shauna Palmer takes a holistic, whole-body approach to understanding and treating periodontal disease. Because gum health isn’t just about your mouth. It’s linked to your immune system, your microbiome, your stress levels, your sleep, and even your long-term overall wellness.
If you’ve been noticing bleeding when brushing, or if your gums feel tender or look puffy, this blog will help you understand why periodontal disease happens, what it looks like, and how holistic treatment can transform both your oral health and your quality of life.
The Symptoms: What Gum Disease Really Feels Like
Periodontal disease often begins quietly. Many people don’t feel pain in the early stages, which is one reason it tends to progress before someone seeks help. But your body does send signals — and those signals are important.
Common symptoms include:
• Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Gum recession, making teeth look longer
• Persistent bad breath (halitosis), often caused by bacteria
• A bad taste in the mouth that doesn’t go away
• Loose teeth or shifting teeth
• Spaces developing between teeth
• Sensitivity to cold or pressure
• Discomfort when chewing
Many patients tell Dr. Palmer they thought these symptoms were “just part of aging” or “normal when life gets busy.” But gum disease is not a normal part of life. It’s an inflammatory condition — and like all inflammation, it affects much more than one area of the body.
When untreated, periodontal infection can act as a silent strain on your immune system, increasing systemic inflammation. This can affect energy levels, sleep quality, digestion, and the body’s ability to repair and restore itself. Gum disease has also been linked to cardiovascular concerns, diabetes, pregnancy complications, and chronic inflammatory conditions.
This is exactly why Dr. Palmer’s holistic approach is so important. Gum health is whole-body health.
The Causes: How Gum Disease Develops
Gum disease starts with bacteria — but it continues because of imbalance.
Here are the most common contributors:
1. Plaque Buildup
When bacteria gather around the gumline and aren’t removed effectively, they irritate the gums and trigger inflammation. Over time, this hardens into tartar, which deepens the infection.
2. Stress & Lifestyle Factors
Stress weakens immune function, which means the body struggles to fight bacterial inflammation. Mouth breathing, poor sleep, and nutritional deficiencies can also fuel gum problems.
3. Clenching & Grinding
Many patients don’t realize their bite can worsen gum disease. Excess force on the teeth can cause gum recession, bone loss around teeth, and weaken the ligaments around the teeth.
4. Smoking or Vaping
Nicotine reduces circulation to the gums, making healing more difficult and masking early symptoms.
5. Medical & Hormonal Factors
Diabetes, pregnancy, thyroid imbalances, and immune system challenges can increase susceptibility to gum inflammation.
6. Microbiome Imbalance
Holistically speaking, periodontal disease is often a sign that the oral microbiome — the community of bacteria that keeps your mouth in balance — has shifted toward harmful species.
Dr. Palmer’s approach to periodontal care always begins with understanding these underlying factors. Because gum disease does not happen “just because.” There is always a reason — and when you identify it, treatment becomes more effective and more sustainable.
The Treatment: A Holistic Path Back to Gum HealthAt Health & Beauty Dentistry, gum disease treatment is gentle, thorough, and tailored to the whole person. The goal is not only to stop the infection, but to restore balance, support healing, and protect long-term wellness.
Professional Deep Cleaning (Scaling & Root Planing)
This removes hardened bacteria below the gumline and allows the gums to reattach to the teeth. It’s comfortable, precise, and extremely effective when done early.
Laser or Antimicrobial Therapy (When Needed)
To reduce bacterial levels and support healing.
Bite & Clenching Evaluation
If jaw tension is contributing to inflammation, Dr. Palmer may recommend a physiologic/neuromuscular evaluation or a nighttime appliance to protect both the gums and supporting bone.
Holistic Recommendations
Every treatment plan is personalized and may include:
• Nutritional guidance
• Hydration support
• Oral microbiome–friendly products
• Sleep and airway assessment
• Gentle home-care routines that fit your lifestyle
Ongoing Support
Periodontal disease can be controlled — and often reversed — with the right plan. Dr. Palmer and her team guide patients step by step so healing feels natural, achievable, and empowering.
You Deserve Healthy Gums — and a Healthier Life
Living with bleeding gums, chronic bad breath, or gum sensitivity can affect confidence, daily comfort, and overall wellness more than most people realize. Your smile deserves care that looks deeper, understands the full picture, and respects how interconnected your body truly is.
If you’re noticing signs of gum disease — or if it’s simply been a while since your last hygiene visit — Dr. Shauna Palmer and the team at Health & Beauty Dentistry in Kelowna are here to help you restore balance, health, and comfort.
Your gums matter. Your health matters. And healing begins with one simple step — reaching out.
