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Taking care of your teeth is good for your oral health. But did you know that it could be good for your overall health too? One procedure could even reduce the inflammation that is linked to heart disease.
In a new study by King's College London that was published in the Journal of Translational Medicine, researchers tracked the changes in blood chemistry after participants underwent treatment for root canal infections.
The Guardian reported that root canals are one of the most common dental procedures and are used to treat infection or damage to a tooth's pulp; the soft inner tissue of a tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. More than a third of adults in England have had a root canal. The study found a connection between the dental procedure and health.
About the Study
The researchers followed 65 patients from Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS foundation trust in London for two years after they had a root canal procedure. The participants were checked before the procedure and four times after. Each time, the patient’s blood was analyzed to see how they process fat, sugar, and additional substances.
What the team discovered was improved glucose metabolism, improvements in blood cholesterol and fatty acids — which are linked to cardiovascular health —, as well as reduced inflammation, according to a news release from King’s College London.
“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, Dr Sadia Niazi, a senior clinical lecturer in endodontology at King’s College London said in the press release.
What’s Next?
The findings are important for global health since so many dental infections go untreated, reported The Guardian. In fact, 3.7 billion people around the world suffer from untreated oral disease and a lack of dental care.
The findings show the importance of dental care and the researchers suggest that oral health should be a part of a patient’s general healthcare. Niazi recommended in the study that: “People must understand that your mouth is the main gateway to your general health, so looking after your oral health and doing regular checkups with your dentist and getting disease treated early is the best course of action.”
So, if you have been diagnosed as needing a root canal, don’t despair, it could be the path to better health and overall wellbeing.
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