Author: Dr. Shauna Palmer

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The Truth About Periodontal Disease and Bleeding Gums

Post author By Dr. Shauna Palmer
Post date July 28, 2022

Bleeding gums can be alarming, especially if you’re not sure what to do about it. Fortunately, periodontal disease isn’t something that should keep you up at night (pun intended). But before we go into treatment options, it’s important to understand what periodontal disease is, and what might be causing your bleeding gums.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth. It’s typically caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. If plaque isn’t removed, it can harden and turn into tartar. Tartar can irritate your gums, causing them to swell and bleed. Once tartar has become too difficult to remove with regular brushing, you will need professional cleaning from your dentist or dental hygienist.

A key sign of periodontal disease is bleeding gums—or even loose teeth. According to nationwide research, 80% of adults over 30 have some form of periodontal disease in their mouths. If you are experiencing symptoms like bleeding gums or loose teeth, seek treatment as soon as possible.

Located in West-Kelowna, Dr. Shauna Palmer at Health & Beauty Dentistry provides treatment for periodontal (gum) disease with a holistic approach. Our motto, “treat it before it’s too late”. Make an appointment today.

How Do I Know If I Have Periodontal (Gum) Disease?

Periodontal disease is typically caused by poor oral hygiene. Symptoms include red, swollen, and bleeding gums. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss. Treatment options include scaling and root planing (a deep cleaning), antibacterial agents, and sometimes surgery.

You can help prevent periodontal disease by brushing, flossing or using a water floss system regularly and visiting your dentist for regular cleanings. You may also want to ask Dr. Palmer and her team about the Perio Protect® system, which is a non surgical, at home treatment system or the laser therapy. (see below). Dr Palmer’s office also carries the Young Living® Thieves line of toothpaste and mouth wash which use essential oils rather than harsh chemicals.

What Are the Symptoms of Periodontal (Gum) Disease?

The following are warning signs of periodontal disease:

Bad breath or bad taste that won’t go away.
Red or swollen gums.
Tender or bleeding gums.
Painful chewing.
Loose teeth.
Sensitive teeth.
Gums that have pulled away from your teeth.
Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite.

What Treatment Options are Available for Someone With Gum Disease?

If you have gum disease, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost half of all adults in Canada have some form of periodontal disease. The good news is that there are treatment options available. Here are a few to consider:

1. Regular dental cleanings – This is one of the most effective ways to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums. Scaling and root planing – This is a deeper cleaning than a regular cleaning, and it’s often recommended for those with more advanced periodontal disease.

2. Perio Protect® system or laser therapy. (see below)

3. Gum tissue graft surgery – A piece of skin is cut at the roof of your mouth (palate) to replace affected gum tissue.

Why Choose A Holistic Dentist for Periodontal Disease Treatment?

Your mouth’s ability to heal from periodontal gum disease depends on the advancement of the disease and the extent of damage done. The good news is that there are treatments available to help your gums recover from even advanced stages of periodontal gum disease.

At Health & Beauty Dentistry, Dr. Shauna Palmer uses Perio Protect® trays that resemble mouth guards. These trays rest over your diseased gums and a patented hydrogen peroxide gel is placed in the trays for a few minutes daily to help kill the harmful bacteria in the pockets and help heal your smile non-invasively.

Additionally, Dr. Shauna Palmer uses specialized laser therapy to help focus-in and kill bacteria in your gums with minimal invasion so that your gums and teeth can begin the recovery process. Laser therapy continues to become a revolutionary treatment approach in the oral health industry.

The more intense and severe the periodontitis, typically the longer the healing process and the more rigorous dental treatment you will need. At Health & Beauty Dentistry, Dr. Palmer strives to take the least invasive and most gentle approach possible.

While periodontitis can be extremely upsetting, scary and painful to experience, you can rest assured that the treatment Dr. Shauna Palmer provides, will help support you through the recovery process, whether you are in an early or advanced stage of gum disease. Dentist, Dr. Shauna Palmer, and her hygienist in Kelowna are able to identify any early signs of gum disease and provide treatment accordingly. Treating periodontal disease is important not only to help prevent you from losing your teeth but also improves your overall health as there is a well-studied mouth and body connection.

When you experience any of the symptoms above, please contact us to book a gum disease appointment.

Tags Bleeding Gums, gum disease, natural treatment bleeding gums, periodontal disease

best dentist in kelowna best dentist in west kelowna best kelowna dentist near me best west kelowna dentist near me blog Holistic Approach to Dentistry Oral Health

3 Important Reasons Why You Should Get an Oral Cancer Screening at the Dentist

Post author By Dr. Shauna Palmer
Post date June 23, 2022

Oral cancer is one of the most deadly forms of cancer, and every year thousands of people die from this cancer without ever knowing they had it. To combat this, all Canadian Dental Associations recommend that you get an oral cancer screening in Kelowna at least once every year, particularly if you are age 50 or older, or have a history of heavy smoking or alcohol consumption. Screenings typically include visual inspection of your mouth and tongue by your dentist, which can lead to early detection and removal of pre-cancerous lesions before they turn into cancerous tumours.

Oral cancer, though relatively rare, can affect people of all ages and backgrounds. The good news is that oral cancer has one of the highest cure rates of any type of cancer – provided it’s caught early enough! Your dentist can screen you for oral cancer during your next checkup, so take time to learn about the three most important reasons why getting an oral cancer screening at the dentist is essential to your health and wellness.

#1. PREVENTION (Can oral cancer screening prevent oral cancer?)

Many people fail to get oral cancer screenings in West Kelowna, but they’re an easy way to catch possible problems before they become a major problem. Kelowna Oral cancer screening isn’t meant to replace your normal oral care routine (it just complements it). Your dentist can spot trouble spots that you may have missed during a routine dental checkup and may suggest ways for you to make changes to your routine, such as brushing your teeth more often or adding flossing. However, there is one surefire way of spotting all potential issues—getting a professional oral cancer screening in West Kelowna from a dental professional.

Oral cancer can also be a symptom of another medical condition, such as diabetes. Because these diseases are treatable, if oral cancer is caught early enough, it’s easier to treat and eradicate. Your dental hygienist or dentist in Kelowna may suggest an oral cancer screening if you’re over 50 years old and haven’t had one in two years. However, no matter your age or whether you had a previous oral cancer screening in Kelowna, keeping up with your regular cleanings every six months is a good idea. Getting teeth cleanings twice per year greatly reduces your risk of developing gum disease and other ailments that may result in periodontal disease.

#2. EARLY DETECTION (Does early detection make a difference for survival rate?)

Early detection is critical to survival rates and preventing oral cancer. In fact, 90% of oral cancers are diagnosed in late stages when they have already begun to spread to other areas of your body. A great way to help prevent early detection is by getting a regular dental exam every six months. Early detection is one of three important reasons why you should get an oral cancer screening at your West Kelowna dentist’s office.

Another important reason is CONFIDENCE (How do I feel about my smile?). Getting an oral cancer screening can also boost your confidence because it allows you to know for sure that there are no oral health issues that could affect your smile or overall health. If there were any problems, you would be able to address them before they got worse. Many people who have gotten their oral cancer screenings say that knowing for sure that everything is okay makes them feel more confident about their smiles and themselves as a whole.

#3. IMPROVED TREATMENT (Can oral cancer be treated effectively?)

An oral cancer screening in West Kelowna is one of several tests you may need if your dentist suspects you have oral cancer. Oral cancer, also known as mouth cancer, can develop in your lips, tongue, cheeks and throat. While it’s less common than other types of cancers, it’s also one of the most deadly cancers since symptoms don’t usually appear until it’s in its late stages. But with early detection and a biopsy, chances are good that it can be cured. If not caught early enough and completely removed by surgery or chemotherapy (oral cancer treatment), your risk for recurring disease or death increases dramatically.

Kelowna Oral cancer screenings help dentists detect oral cancer before it spreads to other parts of your body. It’s important to get regular oral cancer screenings because there are often no symptoms to indicate you have oral cancer until it has reached an advanced stage, which makes treating it more difficult. Oral cancer screenings aren’t just for those who use tobacco products; anyone who wants to lower their risk should schedule an appointment with their dentist to learn more about how they can protect themselves from developing oral cancer.

Dr. Shauna Palmer at Health & Beauty Dentistry in Kelowna BC can provide oral cancer screenings regularly. Schedule yours ASAP.

Tags oral cancer, oral cancer dentist west kelowna, oral cancer survival rates, oral health, oral health dentist kelowna, oral health kelowna

blog Holistic Approach to Dentistry

The cost of Natural Dentistry: Is a holistic dentist more expensive?

Post author By Dr. Shauna Palmer
Post date May 29, 2022

Finding a good dentist can be tough, especially if you want to opt out of the more traditional dental care choices like metal fillings and metal braces. While researching other dental treatment options, you might notice that holistic dentistry often pops up as an option, but most people don’t know what it actually entails. Holistic dentistry has many names, including natural dentistry, biologic dentistry, alternative dentistry, and green dentistry.

Holistic dentistry follows different principles than mainstream dental care, and the results can be more, or less expensive, or not any difference at all. At any rate, holistic dentistry is focused on your overall health and without a doubt more healthful over time. However, many people are hesitant to change from traditional dentistry because they are worried about the costs of natural dentistry compared to regular care.

How does conventional dental care measure up with holistic dental treatments? Read more.

What exactly is holistic dentistry?

Holistic dentistry is more than just a fancy name for alternative dentistry. It’s an approach to dental care that views our mouths as part of our bodies, and believes in working with them on a holistic level. For example, rather than simply filling in a cavity, a holistic dentist like Dr. Shauna Palmer in West Kelowna, might recommend dietary changes or supplements to strengthen tooth enamel.

The ultimate goal is to help improve your overall health by preventing further decay and gum disease through good oral hygiene. All in all, it’s about long-term prevention rather than short-term fixes.

What are examples of a holistic approach to dentistry?

Mercury Fillings Removal

Dr. Shauna Palmer: “We are frequently asked to remove our patients’ old amalgam fillings and replace them with white fillings. In my practice, I actually avoid using amalgam filling material – completely. But I’m also leery of removing old fillings because of the health implications to the patient, myself, and my team.”

Here’s why: Amalgam filling removal creates mercury vapors and particles. It’s extremely easy to inhale these vapors, which can then be absorbed into the body through the lungs. Removing these fillings incorrectly can expose my patients, my team, and myself to the potentially harmful effects of mercury. That’s why I decided to become SMART certified. This stands for SAFE Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique.

Ozone Therapy

Ozone cancels out (kills) the organisms that cause many health issues, including dental diseases.
Ozone is: Antibacterial – Antifungal – Antiviral.

The main difference is the side effects. While ozone has virtually zero, pharmaceuticals can have many adverse side effects, including: Abdominal cramps and diarrhea, Nausea and vomiting, Yeast infections, Headaches, and Allergic reactions (like swelling and itching) to name a few. The great thing about ozone therapy is that it’s not just good for your dental health – it’s good for your overall health!

Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer often isn’t discussed enough in conversations around dentistry and oral health. The lack of education and awareness is concerning. People over the age of 20 should get an oral cancer screening at least every three years and people over the age of 40 should be screened annually, wether symptomatic or not.

Being screened is especially critical for people with high-risk behaviors, lifestyles and pre-existing conditions including: Smoking or chewing tobacco, Extra body weight, A family history of cancer. Oral cancer develops far less commonly in people under the age of 55. While this may be the case, it’s totally worth your time to receive annual screenings.

So … is a natural, biological, or holistic dentist more expensive?

When you look at the overall cost of oral healthcare, biological dentistry can actually be less expensive because it’s a longer lasting approach. Not just a quick dental fix. Holistic dentists often use less invasive and more conservative treatment plans, which can also keep costs low over a patient’s lifetime. Holistic dentistry can keep your body healthier, and your wallet happier!

Would you like to learn more about holistic dentistry? Contact Dr. Shauna Palmer, holistic dentist in West-Kelowna, BC.

Tags Best Dentist Kelowna, Biological Approach, Biological Dental Approach, Biological Dentistry, cost of dental treatment, dentist in kelowna, dentist in west kelowna, dentist kelowna, dentist kelowna bc, dentist west kelowna, Holistic, Holistic Approach, Holistic Dental, holistic dentist, Holistic Dentist Kelowna, holistic teeth treatment, kelowna bc dentist, kelowna dentist, whole-body approach

blog Dental Implants

How Much Do Dental Implants Cost In Kelowna BC?

Post author By Dr. Shauna Palmer
Post date April 30, 2022

The answer can vary widely depending on factors like your oral health, the condition of your teeth, and the amount of dental implants that you desire.

Dental implants in (West) Kelowna, British Columbia are one of the most effective and long-lasting ways to replace missing teeth or add additional teeth to your smile, but yes, they also come with higher costs compared to average dental care.

What are dental implants exactly?

When you need a missing tooth or teeth restored, there are two choices: You can either wear a partial denture or you can have dental implants placed. The choice between these two options is based on several factors including cost and personal preference.

But exactly what are dental implants? These are “posts” that are placed in your jaw and act as anchor points for false teeth. There is more to it than that without a doubt, but that’s where things start before providing more complicated information.

What dentist near me do I go to if I want dental implants? Dr. Shauna Palmer at Health & Beauty Dentistry in West-Kelowna provides dental implants procedures with a holistic approach; keeping treatments natural, biological, and healthy.

What is a dental implants procedure like?

Without proper planning, you can’t simply show up at a dental office and get implants. The process has to be arranged with detailed care. To find out if you’re a suitable candidate for dental implants, please make an appointment today.

Preparation is key

Often, more dental professionals are involved in the preparation process. Why? Dental implants always involve surgery, and we have to determine in advance that the implant procedure is compatible with your oral condition.

The process from surgery to complete treatment may take up some months. As you’re getting closer to your surgery, you’ll need to ensure to keep yourself healthy before treatment. Post-treatment, you might receive an anti-bacterial mouthwash or some prescription antibiotics. These preventive steps lessen your risk of getting an infection.

Dental Sedation

The type of sedation you need is mostly up to you. The procedure always involves a local anesthetic at a minimum. Both oral and IV sedation are available to all dental implant patients. Oral and IV sedation range from minimal, to moderate, to deep sedation.

If you have a low pain threshold and require a significant amount of work, then you may benefit from a higher level of sedation.

Dental Implants procedure (3 stages) in a nutshell

1. Placement of the implant
2. Attaching the abutment
3. Fitting the crown

We always recommend to ensure a ride home after treatment.

Are dental implants expensive and why?

Dentures cost less than dental implants without a doubt, but they require more care, attention and need to be replaced more often. It’s widely acknowledged that dental implants are by far a better solution for missing teeth, while they provide a far better experience. A dental implant will never decay or need root canal treatment, and feels just like the original tooth.

The average price of dental implants in Canada is in between $1000 and $3000 per implant. The exact amount at Health & Beauty Dentistry in West-Kelowna depends on several individualized factors.

So … are dental implants worth it?

When determining whether dental implants are worth it, first you should consider what you want: Teeth that feel and function like real teeth or lesser alternatives:

1. Partial Dentures
are certainly a viable option

2. Fixed Bridge
is cemented into place and can only be removed by a dentist

The truth is, prices for implant procedures vary depending on where you live in Canada and which dentist or oral surgeon performs your dental implant procedure.

At any rate, you deserve complete and exact pricing information when you consider dental implants in West Kelowna. For detailed and personalized information, please contact us today.

Tags dental implants kelowna, dental implants west kelowna bc, missing teeth

blog Dental Treatment Cost Gum Disease Kelowna Dentist Oral Health

How long do you wear a Perio Protect Tray™?

Post author By Dr. Shauna Palmer
Post date March 29, 2022

In taking a holistic dental approach in West Kelowna, we strive to provide treatments that are as minimally invasive and as highly effective as possible for long-term results.

That’s why at Health & Beauty Dentistry, we treat conditions like gingivitis and periodontal gum disease in West Kelowna with noninvasive Perio Protect Trays™ . Perio Trays™ are designed with a customized sealing system that can apply medication deep into your periodontal pockets, where your toothbrush, mouth wash and dental floss can’t reach.

The length of time that you will need to wear your Perio Tray™ depends on the severity of your periodontal gum disease. On average, however, you can anticipate needing to wear your Perio Tray™ for 10–15 minutes.

The frequency of these sessions will be outlined in your personalized treatment plan by your West Kelowna dentist!

Can you cure periodontal gum disease with a Perio Protect tray™?

The Perio Tray™’ takes treatment from the dentist’s chair to the comfort of your own home. This is what truly distinguishes it as a holistic dental treatment vs traditional dental treatment for periodontal gum disease in West Kelowna.

Perio Tray™ treatment can be very simple to administer. For at-home treatments, we show our periodontal gum disease patients in West Kelowna how to apply medication into the tray and insert it into their mouth for optimal application.

Plus, the Perio Tray™’ method is also currently the only periodontal medicine application tool that has been cleared by the Food and Drug Administration!

To further add to the benefits of the Perio Tray™, they are designed to be a more comfortable, more effective option to deliver medication deep below the gums without the need for surgical intervention

Can you use perio protect trays™ at home?

Plus, the Perio Tray™’ method is also currently the only periodontal medicine application tool that has been cleared by the Food and Drug Administration!

Do you need antibiotics while using the perio tray™?

Periodontal dental gum disease in West Kelowna with Perio Trays™ can also help prevent the need for systemic antibiotics.

We fully believe in the use of antibiotics and will absolutely prescribe them when required. At the same time, we are very mindful of the over-use of antibiotics in our holistic dental approach. In excess, antibiotic consumption can lead to severe health consequences from gastrointestinal issues, to brain fog and much more. In some cases, it can lead to food intolerances.

Are perio trays™ non invasive?

Perio Trays™ can facilitate a more thorough treatment of the bad bacteria under your gums in a non-invasive way.

To prevent the medication from trickling into your mouth, there is a special sealing built into Perio Trays™ located close to the gums. These seals exert pressure that forces the medication into pockets under the gum line, preventing spill-over.

To learn more about our holistic dental approach in treating periodontal gum disease in West Kelowna, contact us today! We are happy to help answer any of your questions and support you on your journey to greater health.

Tags Bleeding Gums, dental hygiene, gum disease, kelowna dentist oral health, natural treatment bleeding gums, oral health dentist kelowna, periodontal disease

blog Holistic Approach to Dentistry

How does holistic dentistry work?

Post author By Dr. Shauna Palmer
Post date July 28, 2021

A normal trip to the dentist for most of us often includes the usual routine. It starts with an examination and hygiene treatment, perhaps some x-rays, and typically concludes with a discussion on your oral care. But what if we told you a trip to the dentist could also include advice and guidance for many different aspects of your overall health and well-being? When it comes to holistic dentistry, we understand that the language may be confusing.

Make a holistic dentistry appointment

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What does ‘holistic’ mean?

The term ‘holistic’ is defined as the understanding that the sections or components of something are inherently linked and interconnected as parts of a whole. Holistic dentistry is an approach to oral health that also encompasses many other areas of our health and well-being in order to provide care that extends beyond the confines of the mouth and throughout our entire selves.

The guiding principle of holistic dentistry is that by taking care of the entire body, along with proper dental care, our total health will improve and have a positive impact on our lives.

How does it work?

Holistic dentistry begins first and foremost with a focus on proper health and good habits for cleaning teeth and mouth. regular dental checkups and hygiene treatments are essential, along with all of the dental care practices you are already familiar with such as brushing, flossing and oral rinses. In addition to these, holistic dentistry also places a great deal of emphasis on avoiding use of mercury in any dental treatments, such as fillings.

Holistic dentists will not use amalgam in any of their treatments, relying on alternative and non-toxic filling materials. Dr. Palmer is also trained in SMART – Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique, very important in reducing mercury toxicity during removal of mercury fillings. Dr. Palmer also has training in the use of ozone therapy, which is a drug free treatment used in many areas of her practice to help with infections, TMJ problems and more.

One of the most critical aspects of our lives that impacts our total health, including our oral health, is our diet and nutrition. You can expect in-depth discussions with Dr. Shauna Palmer on your diet and will receive detailed explanations on how it can impact your overall health and well-being. In addition to these areas of your life, holistic dentists will also speak to you regarding other factors that can have significant impact on your overall health, and therefore on your oral health as well.

For example, smoking and heavy alcohol use are major contributing factors to our state of heath. There are only a small number of dentists in Kelowna that offer holistic dentistry to their patients, as it requires a unique set of skills and training above and beyond traditional dental procedures.

If you feel that holistic dentistry is of interest to you, and you would like to learn about its many potential benefits in greater detail, feel free to reach out to the team here at Dr. Shauna Palmer. Dr. Shauna Palmer is proud to offer complete holistic dental care and would be happy to explain the unique benefits that holistic dental treatments can offer you – contact us and learn more!

We are committed to providing you with safe, holistic & effective treatments!

Don’t go for “maybe later”!

Stop searching for dental braces West Kelowna
Avoid feeling insecure and self-conscious
Escape being confused about all the options
Ditch wasting precious time not liking your smile
End worrying about future jaw problems

Choose a dentist who cares about your overall health!

Find clarity
Experience full body dentistry
Let us embrace you in our community
Have a great overall health!
Live your best life!

Dr. Palmer can make your journey to a beautiful smile safe & easy!

Make a HOLISTIC DENTAL appointment

BOOK NOW

Tags Holistic Approach, Holistic Dental, holistic dentist, Holistic Dentist Kelowna, holistic teeth treatment, whole-body approach

blog Sleep Apnea Sleep Disorders Kelowna

Does my partner have sleep apnea?

Post author By Dr. Shauna Palmer
Post date May 28, 2021

If your partner keeps you awake snoring at night, it may be more serious than you think.

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a common disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea, which occurs when the upper airway becomes blocked while you’re sleeping. The less common type, central sleep apnea, occurs when your brain can’t send signals for your body to breathe.

What are signs that your partner might have sleep apnea?

Many people who have sleep apnea aren’t aware that they have it. Sometimes it’s their partner who first notices their symptoms.
Your partner may have sleep apnea if he or she experiences or has any of the following:

Frequent stoppages of breathing during sleep
Loud chronic snoring that frequently interferes with their partner’s sleep
Excessive daytime sleepiness
Gasping for air during sleep
Waking up frequently at night to urinate
Waking up with a dry mouth or headache
Experiencing changes in mood or ability to concentrate and pay attention
Having a decreased libido
Thick and short, or long and thin neck size
Obesity

Why can sleep apnea be dangerous?

Sleep apnea can be serious because of the body’s sleep deprivation and being deprived of oxygen. In addition, sleep apnea can raise his or her risk of developing the following chronic health issues:

Asthma
Atrial fibrillation
Certain types of cancers
Chronic kidney disease
Cardiovascular disease
Type 2 diabetes
Pregnancy complications

Treat Sleep Apnea Naturally: Why a Natural, Holistic Approach Is Best

Why should you be concerned about how to treat sleep apnea naturally? It’s because your health is involved.

Sleep apnea isn’t just about snoring. It isn’t just about the symptoms you put up with when you don’t get enough restful sleep because you aren’t sleeping soundly each night.

Obstructive sleep apnea can kill. Not only can patients with this condition completely stop breathing – they can end up with a higher risk for heart disease, heart attack, stroke, diabetes, cancer, and more.

Getting enough air into your lungs each night is definitely one of the goals all healthcare professionals have for you, including the team at your West Kelowna dentist office.

However, I want to make sure that what you’re doing to treat your sleep apnea is going to target the root cause of the issue, not simply cover up the symptoms.

Are You Ready to Try a New Approach to Treating Your Sleep Apnea?

If you’ve tried the traditional approach to treating sleep apnea and it hasn’t worked – you have options! When you visit my West Kelowna dentist office, my team and I will find the best option for your needs. I’ll do a thorough examination to determine what’s really contributing to your sleep apnea symptoms and determine the best way to treat the situation.

Stop trying to use a machine that’s not working. Let’s work together to find the best physiologic solution to your sleep apnea so you can start getting a great night’s sleep as soon as possible.

Are you interested in learning more about my holistic approach to sleep apnea? Contact my office today and schedule a consultation to discuss your questions, needs, and concerns.

Tags Better Sleep, relieve sleep apnea, sleep apnea, sleep apnea dentist kelowna, sleep apnea kelowna, sleep apnea treatment provider, sleep apnea treatments, snoring kelowna

blog TMJ

Do you have difficulty Swallowing? It may be related to TMJ Disorder

Post author By Dr. Shauna Palmer
Post date April 25, 2021

How Difficulty Swallowing Is Closely Related to TMJ Disorder

Symptoms of dysphagia include:

Being unable to swallow
Feeling like you have food stuck in your throat or chest
Coughing or gagging when swallowing

Dysphagia can be caused by many issues. According to the Mayo Clinic, these can include:

Spasms or tremors of the esophagus
An esophageal ring
Foreign bodies
GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)
Scleroderma
Radiation therapy

Additionally, dysphagia can be related to TMJ disorder. What is this disorder and why can it make swallowing difficult?

What is TMJ Disorder?

TMJ disorder is a disorder of the jaw joints, or the temporomandibular jaw joint. It can be caused by misalignment of the teeth, as well as misalignment of the jawbones themselves.

Things that can make symptoms worse include:

Arthritis
Trauma
Grinding your teeth
Stress (which can cause you to constantly tighten your jaw/facial muscles)
Uneven and misaligned bite (malocclusion)

TMJ disorder can lead to chronic headaches and migraines, as well as facial, neck, and shoulder pain. How is it related to dysphagia? You can experience difficulty swallowing because the muscles of your head, jaw, and neck are too tight. When they’re too tight, they don’t function properly, which can make chewing and even swallowing difficult.

Can TMJ Disorder Be Treated Naturally, Without Surgery?

Thankfully, there’s a jaw pain treatment that can also treat your dysphagia. West Kelowna dentist, Dr. Shauna Palmer, can provide you with a TMJ treatment plan, which often includes an orthotic device, that can reduce your symptoms. All of this can be done safely without surgery, and yet, it’s effective.

With her training in physiological principles in treating TMJ disorder and dysphagia, Dr. Palmer looks at what the root cause of your symptoms is before diving into a treatment plan. Understanding the cause gives her a better idea of what sort of treatment is really going to work best for your needs.

Talk to Your Dentist Today About Investing in a Custom TMJ Treatment Plan

When it comes to creating a TMJ treatment plan, there’s no one-size-fits-all plan.

When you see Dr. Palmer, she’ll evaluate your needs and create a treatment plan that will work best for you.

Part of your treatment might include bite equilibration and a physiologic sleep appliance. Or, your treatment plan might include orthodontia, as well as a custom-fit orthotic.

Whatever the case may be, you can rest assured that Dr. Palmer will find a way to treat your TMJ disorder that will reduce your painful, uncomfortable symptoms, including difficulty swallowing.

Are you sick and tired of the pain and discomfort of TMJ disorder? We can help. Contact us today to schedule a comprehensive examination and we’ll create a treatment plan that can reduce your symptoms significantly.

Tags TMJ Dentist, TMJ disorder, tmj specialist

blog

What is Trigeminal Neuralgia and how is it treated?

Post author By Dr. Shauna Palmer
Post date September 26, 2019

Do you notice that your face hurts on a regular basis? Or, maybe your jaw hurts constantly and has been for a few months?

You might assume you have trigeminal neuralgia or TN. After all, facial muscle pain is a major symptom of this disorder. Unfortunately, this isn’t the only disorder that causes these types of symptoms. Another condition to consider is temporomandibular joint disorder. Let’s first define what trigeminal neuralgia is.

What Is Trigeminal Neuralgia and How Does It Differ from TMJ Disorder?

Neuralgia is intense pain in or along any number of nerves in the body. The trigeminal nerve is the nerve that controls the motion of your jaw.

Such pain can radiate throughout your face, causing jaw pain similar to TMJ disorder. It can also cause headaches and migraines.

So, what really is the difference between TN and TMJ disorder?

TN vs. TMJ Disorder – the Causes Are Different
As mentioned, TN is pain in the trigeminal – or jaw – nerve. What is TMJ disorder?

The TMJ is the actual jaw joint. Due to trauma, anatomy, and oral misalignments, pain can occur. The muscles of the head and neck become tense. The jaw joint can develop arthritis more easily, which also causes pain. Additionally, the disc between the joint can wear down faster – another cause of inflammation and pain.

Recognize TN-Specific Symptoms
As similar as these two conditions may be, there are some symptoms that are TN-specific. These include:

Sharp pain in the face or teeth
Pain isolated to only one side of the face
Sharp pain under or in front of the ear
Searing pain around the eyes, as well as the lips
Tingling or numbness of the face.

Symptoms also occur rather suddenly and can be caused by:

Touching your face
Eating
Talking
Oral home care practices.

TN Treatment: What Can Be Done to Treat Trigeminal Neuralgia?

If you have TN pain, you’re probably wondering if there’s an effective trigeminal neuralgia treatment.

Thankfully, there are multiple ways to treat this condition.

TN can be treated surgically and with certain medications. It’s important to note that not all treatments provide lasting relief. However, you can improve your rate of success by implementing some practical and even enjoyable steps at home.

The first thing you want to do is try and prevent TN episodes. You can do this by:

Eating soft foods
Avoiding temperature extremes when it comes to food or even while bathing/washing your face
Always be gentle when brushing your teeth and washing your face
Identify your triggers and do your best to avoid them.

Some enjoyable practices that can help reduce your pain include:

Yoga
Aromatherapy
Acupuncture
Chiropractic and massage therapy
Meditation and visualization
Biofeedback
Vitamin therapy.

Dr. Palmer can now do OZONE INJECTIONS to treat this condition.
Ozone is antibacterial ,antiviral and antifungal and also reduces inflammation. OR LASER THERAPY which also decreases inflammation. However TN sometimes can be caused by jaw imbalance so sometimes the treatment for TN can be to treat the bite/jaw.

See Dr. Shauna Palmer Right Away If You’re Experiencing Facial Pain – We Want to Help!

So many people think they must “grin-and-bear-it” when it comes to pain, but that simply isn’t the case.

Dental and oral related pain – whether it’s a dental infection, TMJ disorder, or even trigeminal neuralgia – should be evaluated by a physiological health professional as soon myself as soon as possible.

The reasons for this are numerous, but here are two of the most important reasons.

First, TMJ or TN pain can progress if not taken care of immediately. The goal is less pain – not more. The sooner you see receive a neuromuscular assessment, the fewer issues you’ll have down the road.

Second, I want to help. I hate seeing anyone in pain. I am not here to shame you if you’re don’t have the best home care or if you’re lifestyle isn’t considered “healthy” by the norm. That’s not the goal. The goal is to educate and provide exceptional care – and that means doing all we can to get you out of pain.

If you’ve been experiencing any of the symptoms relating to TMJ disorder or trigeminal neuralgia, don’t wait a moment longer. Schedule an appointment right away.

Do you notice that your face hurts quite often? You don’t need to suffer in silence. Contact my office today. My team and I will evaluate your symptoms for TN, TMJ disorder, or other bite related issues that could be contributing to your pain – and we’ll help you find a solution!

Tags face hurts, TN treatment, TN vs TMJ disorder, trigeminal neuralgia treatment

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All-Natural Treatment for Tinnitus: Start by Treating TMJ Disorder First

Post author By Dr. Shauna Palmer
Post date February 5, 2019

Treating TMJ Disorder First

Do you deal with occasional – or even constant – ringing in your ears?

If so, you’re not alone. Millions of people suffer with this condition, called tinnitus. It can be one of the most annoying conditions you’ll ever have to deal with – and finding a natural treatment for tinnitus can be extremely difficult. Thankfully, your dentist can help. How so? A dentist can treat ear ringing by focusing not on the ringing itself, but on what may be the root cause: TMJ disorder.

What Is Tinnitus and How Is It Related to TMJ Disorder?

Tinnitus is a condition in which a person experiences occasional ear ringing. In more severe cases, the ringing may be constant and progressively louder.

Currently, there are no known cures for tinnitus, according to the medical community. However, there are some effective treatments available, especially if you talk to your dentist about your condition.

When I review a patient’s health history and see that they have tinnitus, one of the first things I do is ask them about pain. This is because TMJ disorder is often linked to tinnitus and can cause pain in the ears, around the eyes, in the jaw joint itself, as well as headaches or chronic migraines.

How are TMJ disorder and ear ringing linked? When the jaw is out of alignment, this strains the muscles, tendons, and nerves of the head and neck, including those that innervate the inner ear. Not only does this lead to pain, but it can also lead to ear ringing.

Natural Treatment for Tinnitus: Steps You Can Take at Home to Reduce Symptoms

There are various treatments that have proven effective for tinnitus. And if you have tinnitus that’s secondary to TMJ disorder, there are things you can do at home to reduce your symptoms.

Switch over to a Soft Food-based Diet

When the muscles of the head and neck are strained, chewing certain foods can exacerbate symptoms, including ear ringing. It’s best to reduce or eliminate the following, especially during a TMJ flare-up:

Hard to chew foods, like crusty bread
Chewy foods, like jerky, steak, or semi-hard caramel
Crunchy foods, like corn nuts, apples, and carrots
Chewing gum.

Stick to soft foods or liquids, such as smoothies, soups, yogurts, and pasta.

Reduce Tension with TMJ Exercises

You know that feeling you get when your hamstrings are really tight and you do a nice, long, deep stretch? The relief is incredible, isn’t it?

You can do the same thing for your jaw. When your facial muscles get tight, you can perform a number of jaw tension and stretching exercises that will give you fast relief.

Try Alternating Heat and Cold During a Flare-up

When you experience jaw pain, try alternating a hot pack and a cold pack, like a heating pad and a bag of frozen peas. Alternate every 15 minutes or so as needed. The heat will relax your muscles and the ice will reduce inflammation. Anti-inflammatory pain medication will also help.

How a Dentist Can Help: TMJ Treatment for Tinnitus and Pain Reduction

Would you like a natural treatment for tinnitus? Your dentist can help.

Clenching and grinding of the teeth can lead to a TMJ flare-up, with symptoms ranging from facial fatigue, a migraine, or ear ringing.

Seeing a dentist is crucial if you want to find relief. I can provide you with a custom-fit orthotic that has been a successful treatment for tinnitus for many of my patients. This device places the jaw in the ideal position, affectively correcting your bite while you wear it. This will reduce the stress placed on the jaw joints.

In many cases, the device can be disposed of once normal function is restored. In other cases, more treatment is needed, including bite equilibration, physiologic orthodontic treatment, or physiologic restorative treatment or a combination of there.

All of these TMJ remedies can have a direct impact on tinnitus, though, giving you relief from annoying ringing in your years.

Is Your Tinnitus Caused by TMJ? Talk to Your Dentist to Find out More

The only way to know for sure whether you have tinnitus caused by TMJ is to see your dentist. When patients come into my practice for their initial consultation and I determine that they have this disorder, I can offer them an effective treatment for tinnitus.

Thankfully, you have options. You don’t have to bear annoying tinnitus if it’s caused by TMJ disorder. My team can provide you with a safe, effective, natural treatment for tinnitus that will help you once and for all!

Do you think your tinnitus might be caused by TMJ disorder? Do you suffer from jaw pain and headaches? Contact us today to learn more about your treatment options.

Tags tinnitus caused by TMJ, treatment for tinnitus