Root Canals May Cut Heart and Diabetes Risk, New Studies Say
A growing body of evidence now suggests that root canal treatment, a common dental procedure, may do more than save an infected tooth. Early research indicates it could also help reduce the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes by lowering chronic inflammation in the body. Although more large studies are needed, experts say these findings highlight how oral health and overall health are closely connected.
What Is Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment is a routine dental procedure used to remove infected or inflamed tissue from inside a tooth. During the procedure, the dentist numbs the area, clears out the damaged pulp, disinfects the canals, and then seals the tooth to prevent further infection. A crown or filling is usually added afterward to restore the tooth.
While the main goal is to stop pain and prevent tooth loss, researchers now believe this treatment may also influence long-term health outcomes.
What Recent Studies Found
Heart Disease Connection
In one small interventional study, researchers followed 35 patients who had both coronary artery disease (CAD) and root-tip infections. Before and after non-surgical root canal treatment, the team measured levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) — a key marker of systemic inflammation.
After 12 months, hs-CRP levels dropped significantly, suggesting that the dental infection had been contributing to ongoing inflammation that can strain the heart.
Another study from the University of Helsinki also found that people with untreated root-tip infections were more likely to experience acute coronary syndrome than those without such infections. This link remained strong even after adjusting for age, smoking, diabetes, and other risk factors.
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The Diabetes Link
Researchers have long known that gum disease and poor oral health can worsen blood sugar control. Now, similar connections are emerging with deep dental infections.
A large review found that maintaining good oral hygiene is associated with a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Experts believe inflammation again plays the central role. When oral bacteria enter the bloodstream, they can worsen insulin resistance and disrupt how the body manages fats and sugars.
By removing chronic infection, root canal treatment may help decrease this inflammatory load, giving the body a better chance to regulate blood glucose levels.
How Oral Infections Affect the Body
Infections at the tip of a tooth, known as apical periodontitis, can quietly increase inflammation throughout the body. When bacteria escape into the bloodstream, they activate the immune system, keeping it in a constant state of alert. Over time, this ongoing inflammation can damage blood vessels, worsen insulin resistance, and increase the risk of chronic illnesses.
This is why scientists are now exploring whether treating these hidden dental infections, especially through root canal treatment, could lower overall disease risk.
Conclusion
Although the results are promising, researchers emphasize that these studies are small or observational. More large-scale, randomized trials are needed to confirm whether root canal treatment directly reduces the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Even so, the evidence strengthens an important message: dental infections do not just affect the mouth they can influence the entire body. Addressing oral problems early may help reduce chronic inflammation and lower long-term health risks.
Source:Â Inputs from various media SourcesÂ
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
- Health News and Updates,People Forum
- 19 November 2025
- 13:00
