Root Canal Treatment

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 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.

Root Canal Treatment: A Game-Changer for Whole-Body 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placing root canal treatment as one of the most common dental procedures- yet myths and misinformation, often fueled by outdated anecdotes from a century ago and amplified on social media, have created unnecessary fear and confusion.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 Patients and Healthcare providers:

For Patients

“Root canal treatment isn’t just about relieving pain or saving teeth - it’s about protecting your overall health, particularly the risk of chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes.”. So don’t ignore dental infections.

Seek professional guidance: Always consult a qualified dentist —not unverified sources - when making decisions about dental care.
Don’t ignore dental infections: Untreated infections can allow harmful bacteria to enter the bloodstream, increasing the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
Regular check-ups matter: Preventive care and timely treatment are essential for both oral and systemic health.

Ultimately, there’s nothing better than saving your own teeth - and safeguarding your systemic health in the process. Remember the WHO message: “No Health Without Oral Health.”

Read the full study: Journal of Translational Medicine