Root canal therapy linked to reduced inflammation and improved blood glucose control
Root canal therapy linked to reduced inflammation and improved blood glucose control
A clinical study at King’s College London has investigated changes in serum metabolites after root canal treatment and found that it was associated with significantly reduced inflammation and with improvements in blood glucose and cholesterol levels, underscoring the systemic health benefits of effective dental care.
In the study, the researchers followed 65 patients at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust for two years after root canal treatment. They analysed the patients’ serum samples at five time points to track changes in 44 metabolites – particularly those involved in glucose, amino acid and lipid metabolism. They also correlated these changes with clinical metabolic syndrome indicators, inflammatory biomarkers, and blood and intra-canal microbiomes to better understand the effect of periapical periodontitis and its treatment on risks for systemic conditions.
The team found that successful root canal treatment was associated with several significant health benefits. For example, blood glucose levels showed a statistically significant decrease at two years after treatment – a notable improvement in glucose metabolism that could help lower the risk of Type 2 diabetes. Additionally, short-term improvements in blood cholesterol and fatty acid levels were observed, indicating lipid profiles closely linked to heart health. Senior author and Senior Clinical Lecturer in endodontics at King’s College London Dr Sadia Niazi said: “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. It’s a powerful reminder that oral health is deeply connected to overall health”.
