Research Connects Inadequate Oral Health to Pain and Migraines in Women
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Synopsis
A recent study highlights the link between poor oral health and increased pain and migraines in women, particularly those with fibromyalgia. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups.
Key Takeaways
- Poor oral health linked to higher pain levels.
- Specific oral microbes correlate with migraines.
- 60% of participants reported moderate to severe body pain.
- Regular oral hygiene is essential for overall health.
- Research published in Frontiers in Pain Research.
New Delhi, April 9 (NationPress) Are you troubled by migraine headaches and body pain? You might want to consider your oral health, as indicated by a study released on Wednesday.
This research, concentrating on women, pinpointed specific oral microbes linked to various pain conditions. It also hinted at a possible connection between the oral microbiome and the nervous system.
The study investigated relationships between self-reported oral health, the oral microbiome, and different pain presentations among a cohort of 67 women from New Zealand, both with and without fibromyalgia—a chronic condition marked by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and sleep issues.
Published in the journal Frontiers in Pain Research, the findings revealed that lower oral health was a statistically significant predictor of both frequent and chronic migraines.
“This is the first study to explore the links among oral health, oral microbiota, and the pain commonly experienced by women with fibromyalgia. Our research demonstrates a clear and significant connection between poor oral health and pain,” stated lead investigator Associate Professor Joanna Harnett from the Faculty of Medicine and Health.
Women exhibiting the poorest oral health were more prone to experiencing higher pain levels. Approximately 60% of these women were more likely to face moderate to severe body pain, while 49% were more susceptible to migraine headaches.
Four specific oral microbial species from the genera Dialister, Fusobacterium, Parvimonas, and Solobacterium showed significant associations with pain, even after considering factors like age, BMI, and added dietary sugars.
“Our results are particularly significant for fibromyalgia, which, despite being a common rheumatological condition, is frequently overlooked,” remarked Sharon Erdrich, a doctoral candidate in the Faculty of Medicine and Health.
The research team also noted a weak yet significant inverse relationship between diet quality and oral health. However, this aspect requires further investigation.
The researchers advocate for regular dental hygiene appointments and health checks, alongside the recommendation to brush and floss twice daily.
