Root canals can do more than save teeth; Could Improve Overall Health, Study Finds
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The dreaded root canal may be necessary for good oral health, but it could also reduce inflammation and improve blood sugar and cholesterol, according to a new study.
Researchers at King’s College London followed 65 patients for two years after they received successful root canals for a common dental infection and analyzed molecules in their blood to reveal how their bodies processed sugar, fat and other key substances and responded to diseases and treatment.
The scientists found that blood sugar levels decreased significantly in patients with root canal treatment, which is a key factor in reducing the risk of diabetes, according to the research, which was published in the Journal of Translational Medicine on November 18. They also observed short-term improvements in cholesterol and fatty acid levels, which are closely related to heart health.
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Key markers of inflammation, which are often linked to cardiovascular risk and other chronic conditions, also decreased over time.
New research highlights the growing connection between oral hygiene and conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. (iStock)
“What surprised us most was the extent of the benefits,” lead author Dr. Sadia Niazi, senior clinical professor of endodontics at King’s College London, told News Digital. “We expected improvements in oral health, but the systemic changes were surprising.”
The findings are a reminder that oral health is “deeply connected to overall health,” Niazi said.
“Our findings show that root canal treatment not only improves oral health. It can also help reduce the risk of serious health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease,” he added.
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Research has shown that gum disease is linked to increased inflammation in the body and an increased risk of diseases such as diabetes and heart disease, although most studies show an association rather than direct proof of cause and effect. While experts increasingly recognize that untreated dental infections can affect overall health, the link between root canals and heart and metabolic health has not been as well studied until now, according to researchers.
Dentists urge routine checkups to detect infections early as a key step in protecting oral and overall health. (iStock)
They say that bacteria that enter the blood can lead to inflammation, heart disease and an increased risk of diabetes, but that the treatment can reduce that risk and that metabolic markers should be monitored after receiving it.
“It is vital that dental professionals recognize the broader impact of these root canal infections and advocate for early diagnosis and treatment,” Niazi said. “There is nothing better than saving your own teeth and safeguarding your systemic health in the process.”
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He added that it is important to move towards a more integrated model of care in which dentists and doctors collaborate to track blood markers and safeguard patients’ overall health.
Treating oral infections can help protect your heart and metabolic health. (iStock)
The study, funded by the Faculty of Dental Surgery of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, was small and did not include a separate control group. And the researchers said other factors could have affected the results. They noted that larger studies are needed to confirm the findings.
Dr. Fatima Khan, a Houston-based dentist and co-founder of Riven Oral Care, said a control group is needed to strengthen the findings and show that other variables did not affect the results. Long-term studies from Harvard University have found that people with poor oral health, gum disease or tooth loss tend to have a higher risk of heart attack and stroke, although other factors such as smoking and access to care make the link inconclusive, he noted.
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Gum disease can worsen diabetes by triggering inflammation and insulin resistance, while people with poorly controlled blood sugar are more prone to gum disease, Kahn, who was not involved in the research, told News Digital.
Experts say bleeding or swollen gums can be signs of gum disease and should be examined by a dentist. (iStock)
However, the King’s College London study is further evidence that the mouth is the “gateway to oral and general health,” he said.
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“Follow up with your dentist routinely to catch dental problems before they progress,” Khan advised. “This will help with your dental and overall health.”
Deirdre Bardolf is a lifestyle writer at News Digital.