A new clinical study shows that successful treatment of a dental infection through a root canal can have positive effects not only on the health of the teeth, but also on the overall health of the body. Patients who were treated for infected teeth improved blood sugar control and achieved healthier cholesterol levels over time. Dental infections allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream, which can negatively affect metabolism and heart health. Treatment of dental infection appears to be effective in reducing inflammation in the body. By removing the infection, the study reversed some of the harmful effects the infection caused. These findings suggest that dental care and treatment of dental infections have an important impact on metabolic and cardiovascular health.