Dr. Brenda Paulen was a featured presenter at the 2017 Lupus Empowerment Summit in Atlanta. As a dentist, she has an in-depth understanding of how your oral health is linked to and affected by overall health. The “mouth-body” connection means that disease and illness can both impact and be impacted by the state of your oral health.
As an autoimmune disorder, Lupus can affect your oral health in a number of ways. From painful oral lesions as a result of changes in the body to dry mouth and an increased risk for gingivitis and tooth decay, often a side effect of medications. Dr. Paulen works with patients on an individual basis to address their concerns, manage symptoms and monitor their dental health to avoid complex problems.
Importance of Routine Dental Care
Regular visits with Dr. Paulen serve several important purposes:
- Maintaining a healthy smile
- Early detection of oral signs indicating a health concern
- Spotting developing dental concerns early for conservative treatment
As with many other diseases and illnesses, Lupus can often manifest with early oral symptoms. Oral lesions in the mouth can be a sign of an underlying autoimmune disorder and are often noticed by a trained dentist upon examination. Dr. Paulen looks for these and other signs of both oral and overall health concerns, including oral cancer, when you come in for a visit.
If you have been diagnosed with Lupus, Dr. Paulen will work with you to avoid oral complications that can affect your quality of life and management of your disease. From recommendations for oral hygiene products to nutrition advice, Dr. Paulen strives to be a partner in your overall health care. She is aware of the risks associated with Lupus for a range of dental procedures and will ensure that your care in our Sandy Springs dentist office is safe, personalized to your needs and will support your best quality of life.
If you have been recently diagnosed with Lupus and are looking for an Atlanta dentist who can work with you to maintain your oral health and the comfort of your smile, contact Dr. Paulen in Sandy Springs.