Study Finds Link Between Poor Oral Health and Increased Body Pain in Women

New Delhi: Women experiencing frequent migraines and widespread body pain may need to pay closer attention to their oral health, suggests a new study published in Frontiers in Pain Research. The research highlights a compelling link between poor oral health, imbalances in oral microbiota, and the presence of chronic pain conditions, including fibromyalgia.

Conducted in New Zealand, the study involved 67 women, both with and without fibromyalgia – a long-term condition known for causing widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. Researchers examined self-reported oral health, microbiome profiles, and different types of pain experienced by participants.

The findings revealed that lower oral health scores significantly predicted higher incidences of chronic and frequent migraines. Nearly 60% of women with the poorest oral health reported experiencing moderate to severe body pain, and 49% were more likely to suffer from migraine headaches.

“This is the first study to investigate the relationship between oral health, oral microbes, and pain commonly experienced in women with fibromyalgia,” said Associate Professor Joanna Harnett, lead investigator from the Faculty of Medicine and Health. “We found a clear and significant association between poor oral health and pain.”

Researchers also identified four oral microbial species—Dialister, Fusobacterium, Parvimonas, and Solobacterium—that were strongly linked to pain symptoms. These associations remained significant even after accounting for factors such as age, body mass index (BMI), and dietary sugar intake.

While the precise mechanisms remain unclear, the study suggests a possible interaction between the oral microbiome and the nervous system, potentially influencing pain perception. The researchers also observed a weak but notable inverse correlation between diet quality and oral health, indicating that dietary habits might play a role, though further research is needed.

Sharon Erdrich, a doctoral candidate involved in the study, emphasized the importance of these findings, especially in light of fibromyalgia’s frequent underrecognition. “Understanding the broader factors that influence chronic pain is essential. Oral health may be one such modifiable factor.”

The study underscores the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene, particularly in women prone to chronic pain. The authors recommend regular dental check-ups, professional cleanings, and consistent oral care practices, such as twice-daily brushing and flossing, as part of a comprehensive strategy to manage and potentially reduce chronic pain symptoms.