Since the 1920s, a myth has existed that root canals are a major cause of cancer and other harmful diseases. Today, this myth circulates on the internet. It originated from the research of Weston Price, a dentist in the early 20th century who ran a series of flawed and poorly designed tests.
Price believed, based on his personal research, that dead teeth that have undergone root canal therapy still harbour incredibly harmful toxins. According to him, these toxins act as breeding ground for cancer, arthritis, heart disease, and other conditions.
Disproving the myth
The idea that root canals cause cancer is scientifically incorrect. This myth is also a public health hazard because it could prevent people from getting root canals they need.
The myth is based on Price’s research, which is extremely unreliable. Here are some of the issues with Price’s methods:
⇝ Conditions for Price’s experiments were poorly controlled.
⇝ The tests were performed in nonsterile environments.
⇝ Other researchers haven’t been able to duplicate his results.
Prominent critics of root canal therapy sometimes argue the modern dental community is conspiring to suppress Price’s research on purpose. However, no peer-reviewed controlled studies show a link between cancer and root canals.
Regardless, there are large groups of dentists and patients alike who believe Price. For example, Joseph Mercola, a doctor who follows Price’s research, claims “97 percent of terminal cancer patients previously had root canal.” There’s no evidence to support his statistic and this misinformation leads to confusion and anxiety.
Some people who have cancer may have had a root canal treatment at some point in their life. This does not mean that the root canal procedures had anything to do with the development of cancer.
With modern developments in the field of dental work, these treatments are safer and more accessible. If a dentist can save the tooth by performing a root canal procedure instead of pulling a tooth, they will likely recommend this.
The myth about root canal procedures may be prevalent on the internet, but there is no scientific evidence to back up these claims.
