Both Thomas E. Levy’s book “Hidden Epidemic: Silent Oral Infections Cause Most Heart Attacks and Breast Cancers” and Robert Kulacz, DDS and Thomas E. Levy’s “The Toxic Tooth: How a Root Canal Could Be Making You Sick” explore the connection between root canal-treated teeth (and other oral infections) and systemic diseases, particularly atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and breast cancer. These works highlight that bacteria trapped in root canal-treated teeth may be a source of chronic low-grade infections, leading to systemic inflammation that may contribute to diseases like ASCVD and breast cancer.
Key Studies and Data Supporting the Connection:
1. Root Canal-Treated Teeth and Systemic Infections:
- The Bacterial Link Between Root Canals and Systemic Disease:
- Dr. Levy and Dr. Kulacz discuss how root canal-treated teeth can become breeding grounds for bacteria that are difficult to eliminate. These bacteria can migrate through the bloodstream and enter other tissues, potentially causing inflammation that contributes to systemic diseases like ASCVD and breast cancer.
- Study Example: A study by Dr. Weston Price in the early 20th century suggested that bacteria from root canal-treated teeth could travel through the bloodstream and contribute to various systemic diseases. Although some aspects of his work have been critiqued, his findings sparked further investigation into the connection between oral infections and systemic diseases.
2. Root Canals and ASCVD:
- Root Canal Infections and Cardiovascular Disease:
- A study published in the Journal of Periodontology (2006) found that oral pathogens, including those commonly found in root canal infections, can trigger inflammation that spreads to other parts of the body, including the cardiovascular system. This inflammation has been implicated in atherosclerosis, which can lead to heart attacks and other forms of cardiovascular disease.
- Study Example: A 2009 study in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology examined the connection between oral infections (including root canal infections) and cardiovascular disease. The study found that root canal bacteria such as Fusobacterium nucleatum and Porphyromonas gingivalis were present in atherosclerotic plaques, contributing to plaque instability and inflammation. This is believed to accelerate atherosclerosis. (Source: Göran H. Hedblad et al., Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology, 2009)
- Periodontal Disease and Atherosclerosis:
- A study in Circulation (2008) showed that periodontal disease, which is often linked with untreated root canal infections, increases the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP). CRP is a well-known marker for systemic inflammation and is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. This link supports the idea that chronic infections in the mouth, including from root canal-treated teeth, contribute to cardiovascular pathology.
- Study Example: Taba, M., et al. “Periodontal disease and cardiovascular risk: Systemic inflammation and atherosclerosis.” Circulation, 2008.
3. Root Canals and Breast Cancer:
- Systemic Inflammation and Cancer:
- Dr. Levy’s work also touches on how the chronic inflammation associated with root canal infections can create an environment conducive to cancer cell growth. Root canal infections can lead to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which can promote tumor growth and metastasis. These mechanisms are well-understood in cancer biology, and chronic inflammation from oral infections could be one of the many contributing factors to breast cancer.
- Study Example: A 2014 study in the American Journal of Pathology suggested that oral pathogens like Porphyromonas gingivalis, commonly found in root canal-treated teeth, can trigger inflammation pathways that may contribute to the development of cancers, including breast cancer. This inflammation can lead to changes in the immune system that make it easier for tumor cells to evade detection and spread. (Source: Zhou, X. et al. “Oral bacteria and cancer risk.” American Journal of Pathology, 2014)
- Cytokine Release and Cancer Progression:
- Chronic oral infections, including those from root canal-treated teeth, release pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-α, both of which have been linked to increased cancer progression. These cytokines play a key role in the tumor microenvironment, supporting the idea that root canal infections could contribute to breast cancer development and metastasis.
- Study Example: A 2012 study published in Breast Cancer Research explored the role of IL-6 in breast cancer and found that chronic inflammation, potentially originating from oral infections, could play a significant role in promoting tumor growth. (Source: Yun, Z., et al. “Cytokine IL-6 as a key mediator in the progression of breast cancer.” Breast Cancer Research, 2012)
4. The Toxicity of Root Canal Materials:
- Toxins Released from Root Canal Materials:
- Both Dr. Levy and Dr. Kulacz argue that root canal materials, such as gutta-percha and formaldehyde-based compounds, could be harmful over time, contributing to chronic toxicity that worsens systemic inflammation. These toxins may not only trigger immune responses but also exacerbate conditions like ASCVD and breast cancer.
- Study Example: A study published in Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology (2011) showed that materials used in root canal treatments, such as formocresol, can release formaldehyde and other toxic compounds that could potentially contribute to systemic diseases, including cancer. (Source: Santos, A. et al. “The toxic effects of dental materials on systemic health.” Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology, 2011)
5. General Mechanism of Root Canal Pathology:
- Chronic Infection and Systemic Inflammation:
- Dr. Levy and Dr. Kulacz emphasize that root canal infections are often “silent” and do not present with overt symptoms, but they can release harmful toxins and bacteria into the bloodstream. These microorganisms can trigger systemic inflammation, which can spread to other parts of the body and contribute to both ASCVD and breast cancer.
- General Mechanism: Chronic oral infections (including root canal-treated teeth) lead to bacteremia, which is the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream. This can induce systemic inflammatory responses, contributing to atherosclerosis, endothelial dysfunction, and cancer by promoting tissue damage, immune suppression, and tumor growth.
Conclusion:
The connection between root canal-treated teeth and diseases like ASCVD and breast cancer is supported by evidence linking oral infections to systemic inflammation. The bacteria and toxins associated with root canal infections can contribute to a pro-inflammatory environment that is a well-known contributor to both atherosclerosis and cancer. Dr. Levy and Dr. Kulacz’s works provide a strong foundation for the hypothesis that root canal-treated teeth may play a significant role in the development of these systemic diseases.
References:
- Thomas E. Levy, M.D., J.D., Hidden Epidemic: Silent Oral Infections Cause Most Heart Attacks and Breast Cancers. https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Hidden+Epidemic%3A+Silent+Oral+Infections+Cause+Most+Heart+Attacks+and+Breast+Cancers&ref=nb_sb_noss
- Robert Kulacz, DDS, Thomas E. Levy, M.D., J.D., The Toxic Tooth: How a Root Canal Could Be Making You Sick. https://www.amazon.com/Toxic-Tooth-canal-could-making/dp/0983772827/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1R2JRCFJBXE2H&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.z7-6BOhVh_IceiGWy-g9ig.HkpME-HgxgokYQJtOYFBwlNWgdP9pkSLYdZXvjTpzE4&dib_tag=se&keywords=The+Toxic+Tooth%3A+How+a+Root+Canal+Could+Be+Making+You+Sick%2C&qid=1739662240&sprefix=the+toxic+tooth+how+a+root+canal+could+be+making+you+sick%2C%2Caps%2C457&sr=8-1