Heart Health Tips from Your Encinitas Periodontist

Dr. Ann Kania is committed to providing excellent dental and periodontal care. Our staff also cares about the general health of all our patients. Since February is designated as Heart Health Awareness month, we would like to provide our readers and patients with helpful information about heart disease. As we have mentioned in previous blog posts, researchers have discovered a link between gum disease and heart-related illness. For our patients with periodontal disease, we want to help inform you of the best ways to protect your heart health.

Heart Disease Facts

• Heart disease is the number one fatal illness in the United States. Estimates show that about 25% of annual deaths are attributed to heart-related illnesses.
• Coronary heart disease is the most common form of heart illness.
• Each year over 700,000 people in the United States will suffer from their first heart attack.
• Heart disease affects people of all ethnic backgrounds.
• The state with the highest incidence of heart disease is Mississippi. Minnesota has the lowest incidence rate.

Risk Factors Associated with Heart Disease

• Obesity
• Inactive lifestyle
• Cigarette and cigar use
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Family history of heart disease

Heart Disease Prevention Tips

Dr. Kania and our staff encourage our patients to eat a balanced diet high in fiber and produce. For example, a diet high in whole grains may reduce the risk of developing high cholesterol. A healthy bite with healthy teeth are essential in eating this diet. People that have lost teeth have a hard time getting the nutrients they need.  Patients should be mindful of their saturated fat consumption as well. We encourage our patients to live an active lifestyle and incorporate aerobic exercise into their lives on a regular basis.  Smokers lose more teeth than non-smokers.  Their treatment is not as successful.  Do not smoke!

We invite our patients to discuss their overall health with us, especially patients with periodontal or heart disease. To schedule an appointment with our Encinitas dentist office, contact us at (760) 642-0711. We serve patients from La Costa, Del Mar, Rancho Santa Fe, Encinitas, San Diego, and the neighboring communities.