Root canals and autoimmune disease

Are root canals (and other invasive, decidedly-not-fun dental procedures) the reason behind many health problems? If you’ve been trying to live your life blissfully unaware of all things root canal (hey, we get it), but here’s what that conversation looks like. Some say yes, root canals can be linked to systemic health problems, although a cause-and-effect relationship is tough to prove. We do know that there is a strong connection between infections and autoimmune diseases, with viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens considered to be the primary environmental triggers of autoimmunity. Take strep infections as an example, which can lead to rheumatic fever (an inflammatory illness that affects the heart) if the strep isn’t properly treated. When it comes to teeth, at least one study associates poor oral health with the incidence of autoimmune disease, but plaque is implicated—not necessarily root canals. Another case study finds that an autoimmune condition was treated when a patient’s infected teeth and jaw were, too. So why are root canals, specifically, getting so much bad buzz? Granted, they’re no fun—there’s probably no one who wants to spend the afternoon getting a root canal. The procedure is recommended when cavities get so severe the root of the tooth is damaged, and the treatment requires that pulp inside of the tooth be removed, with filling materials injected into the (now dead) tooth. While most dentists say root canals are safe, some dentists maintain that if the residual infection is not eliminated completely, such a procedure can potentially allow bacteria to fester inside and—theoretically—cause widespread, hard-to-treat inflammation. This, in turn, can possibly increase the risk of other chronic illnesses. Chances are, root canals are in the crosshairs now thanks to the popularity of a Netflix documentary called “Root Cause,” which blames root canals for a whole number of ailments, from autoimmune diseases to cancer. Even though the film is controversial and was pulled after outcry from the dental industry, plenty of people saw it and understandably, got pretty scared. (Also, a show of hands: Who among us hasn’t watched a health doc on Netflix and gotten very freaked out?) Increasingly, many people with complex, invisible illnesses are looking at dental health as an important factor to address. If your dentist recommends a root canal, don’t assume the procedure is going to cause health problems. But also consider giving it some extra thought, including getting at least one second opinion, preferably from a dentist who isn’t afraid to discuss the controversy linking root canals, inflammation, and autoimmune diseases. Many people find that holistic dentists (there are many) are more open to noninvasive, nontoxic options to traditional dentistry and will take your whole health history into account when making a recommendation about your teeth. As with every health decision, trust your instincts and do what you feel comfortable with!