It’s a relatively simple, widely performed procedure in which damaged or infected tissue in the root of the tooth is removed, resulting in major health advantages, as a recent study shows. This is particularly the case for people with prediabetes. Researchers at King’s College London built upon an earlier study involving 65 patients treated at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in London. Through a study spanning more than two years, they determined that successful root canal treatments dramatically reduced blood sugar levels of the participating patients.
Even though it’s one of the most common dental procedures, root canal treatment is still surrounded by fear and anxiety, fueled mostly by myths and misunderstandings. A large part of the population links the process to painful memories of the past when anaesthetics were not as cutting-edge. As Dr. Sadia Niazi, a senior clinical lecturer in endodontology at King’s College London, points out, modern techniques and anaesthetics have significantly improved patient experiences.
As such, Dr. Niazi wants to help people understand the far-reaching effects lack of oral health can have on overall well-being. “It’s not about treating the single tooth. This has long-term benefits on the general health of the patient, particularly the risk of chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes,” she stated. The study highlights the positive impact that root canal treatment has had. By safely eliminating harmful bacteria from the body, it has the potential to greatly lower the risk of serious health complications.
Participants in the trial who received successful root canal treatment experienced significant relief from their dental pain. They saw a pretty drastic decrease in their average blood sugar. This new finding is consistent with previous studies that have shown an association between periodontal disease and other systemic diseases. A statement from Dr Marco Orlandi, the co-principal investigator of the trial, was perhaps more poignant. He emphasized that oral conditions such as periodontal disease contribute to the burden of a whole spectrum of non-communicable diseases – cardiovascular, metabolic, rheumatic, neuro-degenerative among them.
Considering the growing connection between oral health and many chronic diseases, having at least one dental check-up a year can be important for early treatment interventions. Dr. Niazi urges patients to prioritize their oral health, stating, “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.”
Along with root canal treatments, dental interventions appear effective at preventing chronic disease. A clinical trial at University College London found that treating advanced gum disease can stop arteries from becoming clogged. This one discovery has the potential to dramatically reduce the burden of coronary heart disease and stroke.