Root Canal Treatment: A Game-Changer for Whole-Body Health
A landmark Study Led by Dr Sadia Niazi at King’s College London Reveals that Successful Endodontic Treatment does far more than relieve pain and save natural tooth - it also offers systemic health benefits.
The study has received global media coverage, making headlines worldwide (including The Guardian, The Telegraph, The Washington Post, Fox News, Everyday Health, ConSalud.es with coverage over 800 media outlets), and highlights the potential of Endodontic treatment to protect against type 2 diabetes and heart disease. It provides robust evidence to debunk myths and misinformation surrounding root canal treatment and reinforces the urgent call for integrated care: No Health Without Oral Health.
Published in the Journal of Translational Medicine, this integrated, multilayered research represents one of the most comprehensive study that tracked 45 blood markers in patients before and after endodontic treatment over two years. The findings showed:
- Blood sugar levels dropped significantly and stayed lower for two years, reducing diabetes risk.
- Cholesterol and fatty acids improved within months, supporting heart health.
- Inflammatory markers declined progressively, lowering cardiovascular risk.
This is a true paradigm shift, supported by robust evidence, and is crucial for educating both the public and healthcare professionals.
Why It Matters
Long-standing tooth infections allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream, triggering inflammation and disrupting metabolism. Treating these infections restores balance - impacting blood sugar, cholesterol, and systemic inflammation.
According to the WHO, 3.7 billion people globally live with untreated oral disease. Apical Periodontitis is the third most prevalence oral disease. “Given the broader health impact of Apical Periodontitis, it's treatment should be integrated into a patient’s general healthcare” - Dr Sadia Niazi.
A 2021 public health survey public health survey revealed that over one-third of adults in England have undergone root canal treatment, rising to nearly 50% among those aged 55 to 74, placing root canal treatment as one of the most common dental procedures- yet myths and misinformation, often fueled by outdated anecdotes from a century ago and amplified on social media, have created unnecessary fear and confusion. This landmark study delivers robust scientific evidence to debunk these myths, proving that endodontic therapy is not only safe and effective but also offers systemic health benefits.
Dr Sadia Niazi’s message for Healthcare providers and Policy makers
Read the full study: Journal of Translational Medicine
Read Dr Sadia Niazi’s Interview by The American Association of Endodontists: Beyond the Tooth: How Endodontic Treatment May Improve Systemic Metabolic Health
Related Scientific Publications funded by the BES:
- Bakhsh, A., Joseph, S., Mannocci, F., Proctor, G., Moyes, D., & Niazi, S.A. (2025) Apical Periodontitis microbiome association with salivary and serum inflammatory burden. International Endodontic Journal. 58(3):504-515
- Bakhsh, A., Moyes, D., Mannocci, F., Proctor, G., & Niazi, S.A. (2025) Links between Nosocomial Endodontic Infections and Bacteremia Associated with Apical Periodontitis and Endodontic Treatment. Journal of Endodontics 51(2):140-149
- Bakhsh, A., Moyes, D., Proctor, G., Mannocci, F., & Niazi, S.A. (2022). The impact of apical periodontitis, non-surgical root canal retreatment and periapical surgery on serum inflammatory biomarkers. International Endodontic Journal, 55(9), 923-937
- Al-Abdulla, N., Bakhsh, A., Mannocci, F., Proctor, G., Moyes, D., Niazi, S.A. (2023) Successful endodontic treatment reduces serum levels of cardiovascular disease risk biomarkers-high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, asymmetric dimethylarginine, and matrix metalloprotease-2. International Endodontic Journal 56(12):1499-1516