Researchers from the University of Sydney have uncovered a connection between poor oral health and chronic pain in women, particularly those diagnosed with fibromyalgia, according to a recent study published in Frontiers in Pain Research, The Tribune reports.
The study analyzed data from 186 women, 67% of whom suffered from fibromyalgia—a chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive problems. The researchers examined associations between self-reported oral health, the oral microbiome, and pain presentations in a group of 67 women from New Zealand with and without fibromyalgia.
Participants completed the World Health Organization's oral health questionnaire and were assessed for pain using validated tools, including surveys measuring body and abdominal pain, headaches, and migraines. Saliva samples were collected and analyzed for bacteria using genomic testing, identifying specific oral microbes correlated with certain pain conditions.
The findings revealed that participants with the worst dental health were 60% more likely to experience moderate to severe body pain, indicating an association between poor oral health and pain in women with fibromyalgia. Poor oral health emerged as a strong predictor of frequent and chronic headaches, making it an important predictor of chronic migraine. Approximately 49% of women with poorer oral health were more likely to experience migraine headaches, indicating a link between poor dental health and increased migraine risk.
"These results have particular importance for fibromyalgia, which is often overlooked by doctors in diagnosis," said the head of the study team, according to The Tribune.
The study identified four specific bacterial species—Dialister, Fusobacterium, Parvimonas, and Solobacterium—that were linked with pain symptoms. The association between these bacterial species and pain symptoms remained after adjusting for age, body mass index, and dietary sugar intake.
The authors wrote, "We hypothesise that these (oral) metabolites and/or bacteria trigger heightened pain signalling and defects in pain mechanisms, contributing to the pathogenesis of idiopathic nociplastic pain that is associated with these central sensitisation disorders," according to The Tribune.
Fibromyalgia affects an estimated 5% of the world's population, with women representing between 80% and 96% of cases. The exact cause of fibromyalgia is not known, but factors such as physical or emotional stress, illness, or hormonal fluctuations may contribute to its development.
The study emphasizes the importance of good oral health in addressing pain and improving overall well-being, particularly in women with fibromyalgia. It highlights the need for healthcare that connects dentistry and neurology. The researchers recommend regular oral hygiene appointments and dental health checks, in addition to twice-daily teeth brushing and flossing.
While more studies are needed, the researchers suggest that taking care of dental health can help improve overall well-being and confirm that dental care helps maintain overall body health. Identifying and treating dental problems may not only alleviate oral discomfort but also serve as a preventive measure against migraine attacks.
The results also encourage further research into the role of the oral microbiome in chronic pain conditions, including fibromyalgia. The researchers noted that the correlation between diet quality and oral health has yet to be investigated in detail.
The article was written with the assistance of a news analysis system.