Women with poor dental health are more likely to suffer migraine attacks, also links to fibromyalgia

Sly Saint · Apr 23, 2025 at 3:38 PM

Women with poor dental health are more likely to suffer agonising migraine attacks, groundbreaking new research has revealed.

The world-first study found certain bacteria in the mouth may be to blame—raising the possibility of new treatments for the condition that affects 10 million in the UK and 39 million in the US.

Intriguingly, the researchers also suggested bacteria-containing probiotics shots and supplements—taken to boost gut and immune health—may trigger mouth problems and potentially lead to pain conditions.

They also suggested improving oral health could be a simple way to combat debilitating pain problems.

The Australian researchers assessed 168 volunteers by giving them a questionnaire in which they rated their own oral health.

They were also asked about how often they suffered headaches, migraines and stomach pain and other kinds of discomfort.

Half of the participants with the poorest oral health reported migraine headaches—a finding the researchers said was significant.

Saliva samples from the volunteers were also tested for the presence of bacteria.
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However in the study, migraine sufferers were found to have excessive amounts of one bacteria, Mycoplasma salivarium—which is normally harmless, but can also play a role in gum disease.

High levels of another type of bacteria, Bifidobacterium, was also associated with migraine and body pain.

Bifidobacterium is often used in probiotic supplements and yoghurt drinks which are said to boost digestive and immune health.

However the researchers suggested their findings 'raised questions' over its use, adding that these bacteria are 'acid producing... and somewhat fluoride resistant' so may not be cleared away by toothbrushing.
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Commenting on the research, lead lead investigator Associate Professor Joanna Harnett, University of Sydney, said: 'This is the first study to investigate oral health, oral microbiota and pain commonly experienced in women with fibromyalgia.

'Our study shows a clear and significant association between poor oral health and pain.

Study author and PhD candidate in the Faculty of Medicine and Health at University of Sydney, Sharon Erdrich, said: 'The findings are particularly important to fibromyalgia which, despite being a common rheumatological condition, is often underrecognised.
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Scientists pinpoint cause of migraines - paves way for new treatment

Utsikt · Apr 23, 2025 at 4:57 PM

Correlation does not equal causation and it very well might go in the opposite direction.. Pain -> worse diet/oral health

MrMagoo · Apr 23, 2025 at 5:13 PM

It’s the Daily Mail reporting this.

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Women with poor dental health are more likely to suffer migraine attacks, also links to fibromyalgia

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