There is a nasty rumor that 97 percent of people with terminal cancer had root canals, suggesting that root canals and cancer are related. Of course, with any percentage approaching 100, it’s crucial to take a closer look at where the rumor started and find scientific evidence to back up the claim. Unfortunately, this type of spread of fear is very easy to share and it is easy to spread false information. Hopefully no one has put off a root canal out of fear of cancer (or for any other reason). It is time to set the record straight.
There is no mention of a link between root canals and cancer in any credible peer-reviewed journal. The origin of this statement comes from a doctor who appears regularly on Quack Watch, who does not believe in vaccines or fluoride, and who makes a living selling nutritional supplements that promise to prevent cancer. Of course, this kind of “root canal causes cancer” clickbait was too much for the media to resist, so it’s no wonder it spread like plaque in a sugar-laden mouth.
A numbers game
There is a correlation problem when making blanket statements. Have 97 percent of people with terminal cancer had root canal treatment? Perhaps, since it is a very common procedure. At least 97 percent of those people have likely also driven a car, drunk milk in their lifetime, or watched television. When you take a very common occurrence, like a root canal, and try to use it as the basis for a terminal illness without solid scientific evidence, that’s generating fear.
The idea that these dental procedures cause cancer first arose in the 1920s when there was obviously a lack of information, research and evidence. Dentistry has come a long way in a century! Current procedures include digital radiographs, isolation of teeth with rubber dams, and use of YAG lasers for optimal cleaning. In a current root canal treatment, any bacteria or infection can be completely eliminated, and even if it is not, the bacteria from the dental pulp will not enter the bloodstream and will cause terminal cancer. It just doesn’t work that way.
Why “Dead Tissue” is not deadly
There are also rumors that “dead tissue” (disinfected root canals) can be lethal, but that is simply not true. The human body can and does prosper even with dead tissue; just take a look at your hair and nails. Shaving your head and keeping your nails trimmed to minimize dead tissue is not going to prevent cancer any more than avoiding a visit to the dentist.
Proponents of the “no root canal movement” encourage tooth extraction and implants rather than a simple root canal. The vast majority of reputable dentists and endodontists agree that saving natural teeth is always preferable to extractions, which should be a last resort. In addition, the extractions / implants are much more expensive, uncomfortable and have a longer recovery time.
If you really want to minimize your cancer risks, follow best practices established by reputable experts. Wear SPF, eat whole foods with minimal chemicals, drink green tea, and keep up with your annual dental check-ups. In fact, regular dental check-ups have been shown time and again to reduce the chances of disease and infection in all parts of the body, and it is much less invasive than removing teeth when a cavity gets out of control.