Living with TMJ can ruin your life Dr. Shauna Palmer, TMJ Practitioner at Health & Beauty dentistry in West Kelowna: "Living with a Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder can be a painful and debilitating experience. The TMJ, located on both sides of the jaw, allows for the smooth movement of the jaw and plays a crucial […]

Adult braces for healthy, straight teeth! Dr. Shauna Palmer, Dentist at Health & Beauty Dentistry, West-Kelowna: "Adult dental braces are becoming more common as people are seeking to improve their dental health and appearance. It is well-known that the technology and materials used in dental braces have advanced significantly, making them more comfortable and less noticeable than […]

Dr. Shauna Palmer, holistic dentist at Health & Beauty Dentistry in West-Kelowna: "For decades, dental amalgam, a mixture of metals including mercury, silver, tin, and copper, has been a popular material used for dental fillings. The material's durability and affordability made it an attractive choice for dentists and patients alike. However, with growing concerns over the […]

When most people think of visiting the dentist, they imagine a typical traditional dental office with drill sounds and fluorescent lighting. However, a growing number of people are seeking out holistic dentists who offer alternative treatments to promote overall health and well-being. Holistic dentistry is a whole-body approach to oral health that considers the impact of […]

TMJ Causes There are a few causes of TMJ migraines and headaches.  One of the most common is a jaw or bite imbalance.   Other common causes are injuries such as a fracture or dislocation or a medical condition such as rheumatoid arthritis.  However, there can be other “triggers” outside of the cause which can exacerbate headaches or […]

At Health & Beauty Dentistry in West Kelowna, holistic dentist Dr. Shauna Palmer has helped many patients improve their overall health and wellness through her comprehensive dental care services. But we've noticed that people who are interested in holistic dentistry still have a lot of questions. What exactly does "holistic" mean? What to expect? And how […]

 While some people may have never heard of the term and some have a vague understanding of what it is: "Holistic Dentistry". Holistic dentistry has been around since the 1970s and it’s been steadily gaining popularity in recent years as more and more people look to heal their bodies naturally through diet and nutrition, lifestyle […]

Holistic dentistry is the kind of dental treatment that focuses on the health of your whole body rather than focusing on oral health only. If you’re looking to improve your oral health AND your overall health, an excellent first step is getting in touch with a holistic dentist near you, like Dr. Shauna Palmer in West-Kelowna. […]

First, let’s talk about what holistic dentistry is and how it differs from standard dentistry. In short, holistic dentistry focuses on your dental health as part of your overall wellness, while typical standard dentistry focuses on just your teeth and gums. If you have some serious dental problems that need more than just a quick […]

Wondering what the difference is between a holistic dentist and a regular dentist? It can be hard to make sense of all the jargon thrown around, but please don’t fret! Here are some of the basic differences between the two, and how they can affect your dental visits. Holistic vs Regular Dentist When you visit […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

When you are living with a TMJ Disorder, you are most likely in pain for most of the day, every day. Living in pain is not living at all. Since most TMJ Disorders are caused by dental problems, yes - your bite is the culprit, West Kelowna dentist Dr. Shauna Palmer is able to provide effective TMJ Treatment. How […]

Thanks to advancements and developments in technology, oral cancer screening is now available, safe, and effective. The Velscope Oral Cancer Screening System incorporates fluorescence visualization technology to help detect abnormal tissue growth. They cost $50 and take only 3-5 minutes. It’s important to note that the Velscope System is not a diagnostic device. It’s used to detect […]

Ozone therapy is a holistic way to treat various dental conditions.  Ozone consists of three oxygen atoms bonded together. That one extra atom creates a gas with negatively charged particles. Why is this important? It’s because viruses, bacteria, and fungi are positively charged. Therefore, the ozone cancels out (kills) the organisms that cause many health issues, […]

What is periodontal (gum) disease? Periodontal gum disease can cause permanent damage to the bone and gums surrounding the roots or the teeth. It starts with plaque spreading and growing in the gum line. This plaque harbors harmful bacteria which creates toxins and then irritates and inflames the gums. At this point, the bacteria penetrate the […]

Do you snore? Does your partner snore? If you suffer from snoring you may find that you are waking up each day feeling tired and listless, unprepared to start the day ahead. If your partner is snoring you may wake up feeling exactly the same way. Snoring also may be a sign you have sleep apnea […]

It’s that time of year – many of the fall sports are in play with back-to-school and most of the winter sports are getting ready to rev up! Dentistry is a vital part of dental health for all athletes and can help with dental emergencies and also prevent them from happening in the first place. Sports always require higher […]

With the advent, and now the affordability of, composite fillings, more people are asking their dentists to provide them with tooth-coloured fillings. In fact, some people even ask their dentists to remove their old amalgam fillings and replace them with white fillings. In my practice, I avoid using amalgam filling material completely. But I’m also […]

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...

What is the maximum age for braces? Age is not a limitation for braces. People well into middle age and beyond can get braces if their oral health is good (no gum disease) and the integrity of their jaws and teeth overall is strong. A more important question to ask is what kind of braces should […]

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 […]

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 […]

How important is your dental hygiene? Regular, semi-annual check-ups, beginning when your first teeth poke through your gums, will achieve better oral health. The earlier we can help you take care of your teeth, the less time you need to spend here. And the more time you get to spend doing things you want. In […]

Do you suffer from bad sleep? If you suffer from a sleep-related problem like chronic snoring or sleep apnea, you’re most likely always exhausted. Fortunately, a snoring device or an oral sleep appliance can help alleviate your symptoms and lead you on the road to restful nights and happy days.   A simple snoring device can change […]

Sleep apnea is a relatively common disorder that is characterized as pauses in your breathing. It can also be classified as shallow, superficial breaths while you sleep. The pauses in your breathing can last from a couple of seconds to a few minutes. As an example, during an hour of sleep, you can stop breathing anywhere […]

Do you feel like your entire life revolves around dealing with severe neck pain? Are you frustrated because no one has been able to figure out the source of your problem? What is causing this persistent strain that literally is 'a pain in the neck'? If this sounds familiar, then it may interest you to […]

- TMJ joints can be strained therefore, pain can be felt in the eyes, ears, mouth, forehead, cheeks, tongue, teeth, throat, and jaws. Commonly referred to as 'Facial Pain'. Why talk to a dentist about facial pain? It might ... be your bite! Everything wears out. So do your teeth. When your teeth are misaligned because of […]

Your TMJ Joint (temporomandibular joint) is close to the auditory canal, so pain and inflammation in your TMJ can transfer to the ear. Ear ringing (also know as Tinnitus) can also be an effect of a TMJ disorder. Because inflammation of TMJ dysfunction occurs in the temporomandibular joint and muscles near the ear, the inflammation caused by […]

Do you suffer from jaw pain? If you do, you’re not alone. Millions of people experience these symptoms because of a condition called TMJ disorder, or TMD for short – temporomandibular disorder. Jaw pain is often caused by jaw misalignment. This causes jaw pain because of the strain that’s placed upon the muscles, joints, tendons, and ligaments […]

Reports have shown that the impact of migraines is a major imposition in an individual’s productivity and lifestyle. If you suffer, you may take significant time away from work, it could hinder your job performance when you are there, it can place restrictions on your daily activities and they disrupt relationships. In the States alone, […]

Every person has a TMJ (temporomandibular joint). Not every person has a TMJ Disorder. When you experience TMJ symptoms like: Pain or tenderness of your jaw Pain in one or both of the temporomandibular joints Aching pain in and around your ear Difficulty chewing or pain while chewing Aching facial pain Locking of the joint, […]

If you’re ashamed of your teeth, you don’t have to be. You can fix their appearance with dental veneers. Made of thin shells of ceramic materials, they are permanently bonded to the front surface of your teeth. Veneers are custom-made and custom-colored so you, or anyone else, won’t be able to tell the difference between them and your […]

Simply put, a dental crown is applied when there is some sort of structural issue with a tooth, like if the tooth is cracked or fractured. Teeth may also require crowns after a root canal has been done. A dental bridge, on the other hand, is used when one tooth or multiple teeth are missing and are best described as several […]

Unique custom-made whitening trays allow you to enhance your teeth’ colour, in the comfort of your own home using Zoom gel. At-home teeth whitening results are effective. The treatment period usually lasts four to six weeks. It is recommended to do touch up treatments approximately 1 day per month to maintain the whiteness.  How does teeth […]

The dental implant is inserted into the jawbone, and then the false tooth also called a “pontic”, is attached. Made of titanium or zirconium (for more biologic metal-sensitive patients) which blends well with bone, implants create a strong support structure that will hold your false tooth to your jaw – for the rest of your life. Once […]

The way you feel about yourself is revealed in how you present yourself. A healthy, beautiful smile improves your appearance, letting your confidence and passion shine through. Thanks to advancements in cosmetic dentistry, you can dramatically improve your smile in a reduced stress environment and in an efficient manner. Often there are cosmetic treatments that can fit into […]

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 […]

Endodontic (root canal) treatment treats the inside of the tooth. Endodontic treatment is necessary when the pulp becomes inflamed or infected. The inflammation or infection can have a variety of causes: deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, faulty crowns, or a crack or chip in the tooth. In addition, trauma to a tooth may […]

A composite resin is a tooth-coloured plastic mixture filled with glass (silicon dioxide). Introduced in the 1960s, dental composites were confined to the front teeth because they were not resilient enough to resist the pressure and wear generated by the back teeth. Since then, composite white fillings have been considerably improved and can be successfully placed […]

A number of injuries or ailments can lead to a broken tooth. Some common causes include a fall, a physical injury, and chewing a piece of hard food. Some people are more prone to broken teeth than others, and common risk factors including grinding teeth, poor dental health, and previous cavities.

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 […]

If you do, you’re not alone. Millions of people experience these symptoms because of a condition called TMJ disorder, or TMD for short – temporomandibular disorder. Today, you’ll learn more about this condition, why it causes pain, and how it can impact your overall health – including your posture. What Causes Jaw Misalignment and How […]

What does ‘holistic’ mean and how does to fit into the healthcare world? According to the Cambridge Dictionary, the term ‘holistic’ refers to ‘dealing with or treating the whole of something or someone and not just a part.’ In healthcare, doctors and practitioners can choose to take a more holistic approach to their practice. As a dentist […]

Quite often, people who come into my West Kelowna dentist office experiencing a lot of pain end up needing root canal treatment. They have a cracked or broken tooth or deep decay that has damaged the nerve of the tooth. To provide the patient with relief, we have to remove the nerve tissue. This procedure […]