Root Canals May Offer Unexpected Health Benefits

If you’ve been putting off a root canal, you may want to schedule that appointment. New evidence suggests it could have protective health effects that go way beyond your mouth.

A study found that accomplished root canal treatment was linked to improvements in blood sugar, cholesterol, and inflammation – all key factors in heart disease and diabetes risk.^[1]

“Our research shows that treating an infected tooth does far more than relieve pain. It can improve your overall health,” says lead author The Sadia Niazi, PhD, a senior clinical lecturer in endodontology (the study of what’s inside of teeth) at King’s College London.

Why Oral Health Matters for Heart and Metabolic Health

The mouth is home to a rich community of bacteria. While some are helpful, others can cause tooth decay, gum disease, and infection. when an infection develops inside a tooth, the bacteria responsible can sometimes enter the bloodstream.

Apical periodontitis, the condition treated in this study, is local inflammation around the root of the tooth that can be caused by a deep cavity or tooth infection. It’s known to trigger ongoing low-grade inflammation – the type of immune activity that may negatively impact how the body processes sugar, and even raise heart disease risk.^[2]

While previous studies have linked dental inflammation with higher risk of metabolic and heart issues, investigators decided to find out more about whether fixing the infection with a root canal could reverse these effects.^[3][1]