Root canal treatments may lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, study finds

The dreaded root canal may be necessary for good oral health, but it could also potentially 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 underwent successful root canal treatments for a common dental infection and analyzed molecules in their blood to reveal how their bodies processed sugar, fats and other key substances and responded to disease and treatment.

Scientists found that blood sugar levels decreased significantly in root canal patients, which is a key factor in reducing the risk of diabetes, according to the research published in the Journal of Translational Medicine on November 18. They also saw short-term improvements in cholesterol and fatty acid levels, which are closely linked to heart health.

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Key markers of inflammation, often linked to cardiovascular risk and other chronic diseases, also declined over time.

New research highlights the growing link between oral hygiene and diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. (iStock)

“What surprised us most was the magnitude of the benefits,” lead author Dr Sadia Niazi, a lecturer in endodontology at King’s College London, told Fox News Digital. “We expected improvements in oral health, but the systemic changes have been striking.”

The findings are a reminder that oral health is “deeply linked to overall health,” Niazi said.

“Our results show that root canal treatment not only improves oral health. It can also help reduce the risk of serious health problems like diabetes and heart disease,” she added.

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Research has shown that gum disease is linked to higher inflammation in the body and a higher risk of diseases like 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 canal treatments and heart and metabolic health has not been as well studied until now, researchers say.

Dentists recommend routine exams to detect infections as early as possible, a key step in protecting oral and overall health. (iStock)

They say bacteria entering the bloodstream can lead to inflammation, heart disease and an increased risk of diabetes, but the treatment can reduce this risk and metabolic markers should be monitored after its administration.

“It is essential that dental professionals recognize the broader 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 at the same time.”

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She added that it is important to move toward a more integrated model of care in which dentists and doctors collaborate to track blood markers and protect 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 prove that other variables did not affect the results. Long-term studies from Harvard University have shown 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 like smoking and access to care make the link inconclusive, she 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 Fox News Digital.

Bleeding or swollen gums may be signs of gum disease and should be checked by a dentist, experts say. (iStock)

Still, the King’s College London study is further evidence that the mouth is “the gateway to your oral and overall health,” she said.

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“Follow up regularly with your dentist to detect dental problems before they progress,” advised Khan. “This will help your dental and overall health.”