As a public health dentist and researcher, for years I saw the same pattern. Patients with deep root infections often had wider health problems, particularly those with diabetes. I did not yet understand why. Now, scientific studies are beginning to explain the link: treating a deep tooth infection may also help the body manage blood sugar.
A tooth infection might seem like a relatively minor health issue, but its effects can reach far beyond the mouth. Recent research found that people who had root canal treatment for long-lasting infections at the root tip experienced lower blood sugar and reduced inflammation over the following two years.
