Do root canals have an impact on blood sugar?
Recent research suggests that untreated root canal infections may have effects beyond oral health, potentially influencing blood sugar regulation and overall systemic health. Apical periodontitis occurs when bacteria reach the tip of a tooth’s root. This infection can persist silently for long periods, allowing bacteria and inflammatory substances to enter the bloodstream.
Chronic inflammation plays a key role in many systemic conditions, including insulin resistance. When inflammation levels remain elevated, the body’s ability to use insulin effectively may be impaired, making blood sugar control more difficult. Researchers believe that long-standing dental infections may contribute to this low-grade inflammatory state.
The article reports that individuals who received root canal treatment for such infections showed improvements in metabolic markers over time. In particular, follow-up tests revealed better blood sugar regulation and reduced signs of inflammation, sometimes lasting up to two years after treatment. By removing infected tissue and sealing the tooth, root canal therapy appears to eliminate a persistent source of bacterial exposure and inflammatory signaling.
However, experts caution against over-interpreting these findings. Root canal therapy is not a treatment for diabetes, nor is it intended to replace medical management of blood sugar. The improvements observed were modest, and the research does not prove a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Additional controlled studies are needed to confirm the extent of the connection.
These findings align with a growing body of evidence linking oral health to systemic health. Similar improvements in blood sugar control have been observed after treating gum disease, reinforcing the idea that oral infections can influence the body as a whole.
Overall, the research emphasizes the importance of timely dental care. Treating dental infections promptly may not only preserve teeth but could also support better long-term metabolic health, particularly in individuals at risk for diabetes.
