Women’s body pain and migraines linked to poor oral health
Study found oral microbes correlated with certain pain conditions.
Research by the University of Sydney has revealed that poor oral health is significantly associated with higher instances of migraines, abdominal and body pain in women.
The study identified specific oral microbes correlated with certain pain conditions, suggesting a potential relationship between the oral microbiome and the nervous system.
The findings highlight the importance of good oral health to potentially mitigate pain and improve overall well-being, prompting further exploration into the role of oral microbiota in chronic unexplained pain conditions. This includes fibromyalgia, a condition experienced by 67% of the study participants.
“This is the first study to investigate oral health, oral microbiota and pain commonly experienced in women with fibromyalgia, with our study showing a clear and significant association between poor oral health and pain,” said lead investigator Associate Professor Joanna Harnett, of the Faculty of Medicine and Health.
“Our findings are particularly important to fibromyalgia, which, despite being a common rheumatological condition, is often under-recognised,” said first author and Ph.D. candidate in the Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sharon Erdrich.
“Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain and headaches, as well as fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive problems.”