Root canal therapy tied to better blood sugar control

Dental Tribune International

Tue. 2 December 2025

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LONDON, England: Although periapical periodontitis can increase systemic inflammation and is associated with cardiovascular risk and impaired glycaemic control, the relationship between endodontic therapy and improvements in metabolic health had not been previously explored. A pioneering clinical study at King’s College London has now investigated changes in serum metabolites after root canal treatment and found that it was associated with significantly reduced inflammation and with improvements in blood glucose and cholesterol levels, underscoring the systemic health benefits of effective dental care.

In the study, the researchers followed 65 patients at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust for two years after root canal treatment. They analysed the patients’ serum samples at five time points to track changes in 44 metabolites—particularly those involved in glucose, amino acid and lipid metabolism. They also correlated these changes with clinical metabolic syndrome indicators, inflammatory biomarkers, and blood and intra-canal microbiomes to better understand the effect of periapical periodontitis and its treatment on the risks for systemic conditions.

The team found that successful root canal treatment was associated with several significant health benefits. For example, blood glucose levels showed a statistically significant decrease at two years after treatment—a notable improvement in glucose metabolism that could help lower the risk of Type 2 diabetes. Additionally, short-term improvements in blood cholesterol and fatty acid levels were observed, indicating lipid profiles closely linked to heart health. The study found changing patterns of correlation between metabolites and inflammatory markers. The authors suggested that these patterns reflect a lower inflammatory burden after treatment. Furthermore, bacteria originating from infected teeth were found to be related to systemic metabolic changes, highlighting the broader impact of oral health on overall bodily function.

Senior author Dr Sadia Niazi, senior clinical lecturer in endodontics at King’s, said in a press release: “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 Niazi emphasised that it is essential for dental professionals to understand the broader implications of root canal infections and to actively promote early diagnosis and timely treatment. “We also need to move towards integrated care, where dentists and general practitioners work together to monitor the risks through these blood markers and protect overall health. It’s time to move beyond the tooth and embrace a truly holistic approach to dental care,” she concluded.

While further research is necessary to validate these findings in larger populations, according to the authors, the study provides advanced insights into the role of oral care in promoting overall health and well-being.

The study, titled “Successful endodontic treatment improves glucose and lipid metabolism: A longitudinal metabolomic study”, was published online on 18 November 2025 in Journal of Translational Medicine.