Yet another clinical study is adding to growing evidence that oral infections can affect the whole body.
Researchers from King’s College London report that patients with chronic root canal infections who received successful endodontic treatment showed improved blood sugar control, better lipid profiles and reduced systemic inflammation over two years.
“Long-standing root canal infections can allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream, trigger inflammation, and increase blood glucose and fats levels – raising the risk of serious health issues like heart disease and diabetes,” said lead author Dr. Sadia Niazi, senior clinical lecturer in endodontology at King’s College London. “It is vital that dental professionals recognise the wider impact of these root canal infections and advocate for early diagnosis and treatment.”
The study, published in the Journal of Translational Medicine on Nov. 18, examined patients with apical periodontitis, a common chronic inflammatory condition around the tooth root.
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Patients evaluated over span of two years
Researchers followed 65 patients treated at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in London, collecting blood samples at baseline and at four follow-up points over two years after root canal treatment.
By analysing serum metabolites using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, the team found significant post-treatment shifts in 24 of 44 measured metabolites.
Overall, successful endodontic treatment was associated with:
- Improved glucose metabolism: blood glucose levels fell significantly by the two-year review, suggesting better long-term glycaemic control.
- Short-term improvements in lipid profiles: cholesterol, choline and fatty acid levels decreased in the months after treatment.
- Reduced systemic inflammation: markers linked to cardiovascular risk and other chronic conditions declined over time.
- Oral bacteria linked to systemic effects: bacteria from infected teeth were associated with changes in the body’s overall metabolic profile.
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What’s next?
The authors say the metabolic shifts observed after treatment point to a possible link between endodontic therapy and lower cardiometabolic risk. Still, they caution that the cohort design cannot confirm cause and effect and recommend larger controlled studies.
However, Niazi said the findings still offer a “powerful reminder that oral health is deeply connected to overall health.”
“Our findings show that root canal treatment doesn’t just improve oral health – it may also help reduce the risk of serious health conditions like diabetes and heart disease,” she added.
The study was funded by the Faculty of Dental Surgery of the Royal College of Surgeons of England.