"If a looming root canal treatment is putting a dampener on the week, take heart: having the procedure can drive health benefits that are felt throughout the body, according to research. Patients who were successfully treated for root canal infections saw their blood sugar levels fall significantly over two years, suggesting that ridding the body of the problematic bacteria could help protect against type 2 diabetes."
"Dentists also saw improvements in patients' blood cholesterol and fatty acid levels, both of which are associated with heart health. Yet more benefits were seen around inflammation, a driver for cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions. Our oral health is connected to our general health, said Dr Sadia Niazi, a senior clinical lecturer in endodontology at King's College London. We should never look at our teeth or dental disease as a separate entity."
Root canal treatment removes infection or damage from the tooth pulp, preventing bacteria from entering the bloodstream. Sixty-five patients from Guy's and St Thomas' NHS foundation trust in London were followed for two years after root canal treatment, with blood analyses before the procedure and at four later points. Blood sugar levels fell significantly over two years after successful treatment. Patients also showed improvements in blood cholesterol and fatty acid profiles and reductions in markers of inflammation. Long-standing tooth infections can increase systemic inflammation and impair glucose control, raising risks for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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