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The dreaded root canal may be essential for good oral health, but it could also reduce inflammation and improve blood sugar and cholesterol, according to a new study.
Researchers from King’s College London followed 65 patients for two years after they had successful root canals for a common dental infection and analyzed molecules in their blood to reveal how their bodies processed sugar, fat and other essential substances and responded to disease and treatment.
Scientists found that blood sugar levels dropped significantly for root canal patients, 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 Nov. 18. They also saw 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 link between oral hygiene and conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. (iStock)
“What surprised us the most was how widespread the benefits were,” Dr. Sadia Niazi, senior clinical lecturer in endodontics at King’s College London. “We expected improvements in oral health, but the systemic changes were impressive.”
The findings are a reminder that oral health is “deeply connected to overall health,” Niazi said.
“Our findings show that root canal treatment doesn’t just improve 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 higher inflammation in the body and a greater risk of conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, although most studies show a correlation 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 regular checkups for early detection of infections as a key step in protecting oral and overall health. (iStock)
They say bacteria entering 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 taking it.
“It is vital that dental professionals recognize the wider impact of these root canal infections and advocate for early diagnosis and treatment,” Niazi said. “There’s nothing better than saving your own teeth – and protecting your systemic health in the process.”
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He added that it is important to move toward a more integrated model of care where dentists and physicians work together to monitor blood markers and protect patients’ overall health.
Treating mouth infections can help protect your heart and metabolic health. (iStock)
The study, which was funded by the School 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 influenced 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 prove that other variables did not affect the results. Long-term studies by 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 unclear, he noted.
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Gum disease can worsen diabetes by causing inflammation and insulin resistance, and people with poorly controlled blood sugar are more prone to gingivitis, Kahn, who was not involved in the research, told Fox News Digital.
Bleeding or swollen gums can be signs of gum disease and should be checked by a dentist, experts say. (iStock)
But the King’s College London study is further proof that the mouth is the “gateway to your oral and overall health,” he said.
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“See your dentist regularly to catch dental problems before they progress,” advises Khan. “This will help with your dental and general health.”
