Book Review: The Toxic Tooth – Could a Root Canal Be Making You Sick?

Oct 30, 2025by Dr. Clark Store Staff

Book Review: The Toxic Tooth – Could a Root Canal Be Making You Sick?

In recent years, the intersection of dental health and overall well-being has become a hot topic of conversation. While we’ve long been aware that our teeth impact our quality of life, the idea that dental procedures like root canals could play a role in broader health issues is a newer, more controversial perspective. The Toxic Tooth: How a Root Canal Could Be Making You Sick (2014) by Dr. Robert Kulacz and Dr. J.D. Levy dives deep into this topic, sparking both curiosity and concern among readers.

The Premise: A Radical View of Root Canals

At the heart of The Toxic Tooth is a startling premise: that root canal-treated teeth may be a hidden source of chronic illness. Root canals are one of the most common dental procedures performed worldwide, intended to save teeth that would otherwise need to be extracted due to infection or decay. But the authors argue that the procedure itself could leave behind a host of potential health risks—especially when the body’s immune system is already compromised.

The book asserts that when a tooth is treated with a root canal, bacteria can remain trapped inside, leading to the creation of an anaerobic environment conducive to infection. This trapped bacteria can slowly release toxins into the bloodstream, potentially contributing to a wide range of health issues, from chronic fatigue and autoimmune disorders to cardiovascular diseases. According to Kulacz and Levy, even if the tooth appears healthy or asymptomatic, the underlying toxicity could still be wreaking havoc on the rest of the body.

Exploring the Link Between Oral Health and Overall Wellness

Dr. Robert Kulacz, a respected dentist, and Dr. J.D. Levy, a medical doctor, bring a multidisciplinary perspective to this issue. Their combined expertise in dentistry and medicine allows them to explore how dental health is intricately tied to systemic health, and how seemingly isolated issues in the mouth can influence everything from heart health to neurological function.

The authors point to research—some of it decades-old—that links dental infections, including those from root canals, to diseases like heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, and even cancer. One key point in the book is the idea that toxins from infected teeth can enter the bloodstream through the nerves and blood vessels connected to the tooth, causing long-term, low-level systemic damage that can go undetected for years.

The Evidence: Historical and Modern Studies

The book includes a combination of historical research and contemporary case studies to support its claims. For instance, they reference the groundbreaking work of Dr. Weston A. Price, a dentist who conducted studies in the early 20th century linking dental infections to diseases like heart disease and kidney failure. Price’s work, though not widely embraced by mainstream dentistry at the time, is revisited in The Toxic Tooth as foundational to understanding the potential dangers of root canals.

In addition to Price's research, Kulacz and Levy discuss more recent studies and medical findings that suggest a potential connection between root canals and chronic illnesses. They also discuss the limitations of modern dental treatments and how current dental practices might overlook the long-term consequences of these procedures.

Criticisms and Controversies

While The Toxic Tooth offers compelling arguments for rethinking the safety of root canal treatments, it hasn’t been without its critics. Many within the dental community consider the book's claims to be exaggerated or not fully backed by scientific consensus. Root canals are endorsed by most dental professionals as safe and effective procedures, and while the book raises legitimate concerns, some experts question whether the risk of toxicity is as widespread or severe as Kulacz and Levy suggest.

Additionally, some readers have found the tone of the book somewhat alarmist. While it’s certainly valuable to question the status quo and look at alternative perspectives, some argue that the authors might overstate the risks without offering concrete solutions for the average patient who’s already had a root canal or is considering one.

What’s the Takeaway?

For anyone who has ever had a root canal—or who is considering one—The Toxic Tooth offers a thought-provoking perspective. It encourages readers to take a closer look at the potential risks associated with dental procedures and to explore alternative treatments for dental infections, such as holistic or biological dentistry. For some, this may mean seeking out an alternative to the standard root canal treatment, while others may decide to stick with the procedure after weighing the pros and cons.

One of the most significant takeaways from the book is the importance of being informed and proactive when it comes to dental health. It advocates for a deeper connection between dental practices and overall health, pushing both patients and healthcare providers to think about how the mouth, the gums, and the teeth are interconnected with the rest of the body.

Final Thoughts

In The Toxic Tooth, Robert Kulacz and J.D. Levy have stirred up a long-standing debate in dental and medical circles. While their arguments may not be universally accepted, they provide an interesting lens through which to examine the health risks associated with root canals. If you’re interested in exploring how dental work might impact your overall health—especially if you suffer from unexplained chronic health issues—this book is certainly worth considering. However, like all health-related advice, it's essential to seek multiple perspectives and consult with healthcare professionals before making any significant changes to your treatment plan.