Although a tooth infection may seem like a small, localized issue, its impact can extend far beyond the mouth. Recent research shows that people who underwent root canal treatment for chronic infections at the root tip experienced measurable reductions in blood sugar levels and inflammation over the next two years.
This trend was further supported by a longitudinal metabolomic study, which follows individuals over time and uses detailed blood analyses to measure hundreds of metabolic markers. This approach helps researchers understand how a dental infection—and its treatment—affects the body’s overall physiology, not just oral tissues.
The patients in these studies had apical periodontitis, a deep infection around the tip of a tooth root. Often painless, this condition can remain undetected until an X-ray reveals it. Blood samples taken before and after treatment demonstrated improvements in long-term glucose control and markers associated with cardiovascular and metabolic health. Simply clearing out the infected tissue inside the tooth produced benefits well beyond the local area.
One explanation lies in the nature of chronic dental infections. When bacteria infiltrate the tissues around a tooth root, the immune system responds. If the infection persists, it generates low-grade, systemic inflammation—a constant, subtle activation of immune pathways. This background inflammation travels through the bloodstream and can impair insulin function, making blood sugar regulation more difficult.
To better understand these connections, researchers have compiled findings from multiple studies into a narrative review that outlines the biological mechanisms linking apical periodontitis to broader systemic disease. This growing body of evidence suggests that treating deep dental infections may play a meaningful role in supporting overall metabolic health.
