![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Dentist-dental-teeth-surgery-by-Getty-Images-For-Unsplash-l7UUq4ls9LM-unsplash.jpg\")
Credit: Getty Images for Unsplash+<\/p>\n Credit: Getty Images for Unsplash+<\/p>\n
Successful root canal treatment can reduce inflammation linked to heart disease, according to new research.<\/p>\n
The much dreaded dental surgery can also improve levels of blood sugar and cholesterol, say scientists.<\/p>\n
In the first of its kind clinical study, King\u2019s College London researchers tracked changes in blood chemistry following root canal treatment for a common dental infection, called apical periodontitis.<\/p>\n
The infection can cause bacteria to enter the bloodstream and increase inflammation, associated with risks to cardiac health and reduced ability to control blood sugar levels.<\/p>\n
Despite the link between the infection and wider health impacts, no one has investigated the association between successful root canal treatment and the benefits to heart and metabolic health until now.<\/p>\n
The findings, published in the<\/a> Journal of Translational Medicine, showed that successful root canal treatment was associated with improved glucose metabolism.<\/p>\n Blood sugar levels dropped \u201csignificantly\u201d over two years after treatment, a key factor in preventing diabetes.<\/p>\n The treatment also resulted in better lipid profiles, short-term improvements in blood cholesterol and fatty acid levels, which are closely linked to heart health.<\/p>\n The findings also showed that the treatment saw key markers of inflammation, often linked to cardiovascular risk and other chronic conditions\u2014decreased over time.<\/p>\n GREAT TIP: Be Sure and Floss! Researchers Say Good Dental Health \u2018Substantially\u2019 Decreases Risk of Alzheimer\u2019s<\/a><\/p>\n Bacteria from infected teeth were associated with changes in the body\u2019s overall metabolism, according to the findings. The research team explained that root canal infections can cause bacteria to enter the blood, leading to inflammation, heart disease and diabetes risk.<\/p>\n But successful treatment reduced those risks.<\/p>\n The study followed the health of 65 patients in England over two years after root canal treatment.<\/p>\n Scientists analyzed molecules in the blood of patients to reveal how the body processes sugar, fat, other key substances, and responds to disease and treatment. They used a technique known as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, used to analyze proteins in the body.<\/p>\n DYNAMITE DENTAL NEWS: The findings suggest that monitoring blood metabolic markers\u2014such as glucose, fats known as triglycerides, and the protein tryptophan\u2014could help assess recovery and risk after dental treatment.<\/p>\n \u201cOur findings show that root canal treatment doesn\u2019t just improve oral health \u2013 it may also help reduce the risk of serious health conditions like diabetes and heart disease,\u201d said lead Author<\/a> Dr. Sadia Niazi<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a powerful reminder that oral (tooth) health is deeply connected to overall health.<\/p>\n \u201cLong-standing root canal infections can allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream, trigger inflammation, and increase blood glucose and fats levels \u2013 raising the risk of serious health issues like heart disease and diabetes.\u201d<\/p>\n While more research is needed to confirm the effects in larger populations, she says the study opens \u201cexciting new doors\u201d for understanding how oral care can support general health and well-being.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is vital that dental professionals recognise the wider impact of these root canal infections and advocate for early diagnosis and treatment,\u201d added Dr. Niazi, a senior clinical lecturer in endodontics at King\u2019s College London.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/chart-of-root-canal-tooth-care-benefits-SWNS.jpg\")
Chart via SWNS news<\/p>\n
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