From Lab to Life: Good Teeth, Good Health

Dental care can be really expensive. And often, even adults are a bit doubtful when it comes to visiting the dentist.  But it turns out, healthy teeth are really crucial for a healthy body.

Science Daily reports, on March 17, on a King’s College London study, showing that even a simple root canal procedure [used to save a severely decayed or infected tooth by removing the damaged, inflamed pulp (nerve and blood vessels) from inside] can lower inflammation, and improve both heart and metabolic health.

The study showed:  improved blood sugar control, better metabolism (the infected tooth lets bacteria into the blood stream, affecting even the heart).  Fixing the bad tooth reverses the problem.

The clinical study examined closely the changes in blood chemistry.  Glucose metabolism improved, lipids (cholesterol) improved, and oral bacteria declined.

The lead author was Dr. Sadia Niazi, who commented, “oral health is deeply connected to overall health.”