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.
Women with poor dental health are more likely to suffer agonising migraine attacks, groundbreaking new research has revealed
The mouth is host to a range of microorganisms, including bacteria, that are believed to help maintain oral health and overall wellbeing.
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.
Migraine affects one in seven people and the majority, roughly three quarters, are women.
According to the NHS, attacks ‘usually feel like a very bad headache with a throbbing pain on one side’, however there are a raft of other distressing symptoms.
Before a migraine hits, sufferers may feel tired, crave certain foods of experience changes in mood or a stiff neck.
Others warning signs—collectively known as ‘an aura’—includes vision problems, such as seeing zigzag lines or flashing lights, numbness or a tingling that feels like pins and needles, dizziness and difficulty speaking.
But a migraine can come on without any warning, too.
The attacks are thought to be caused by abnormal brain activity that temporarily affects nerve signals, chemicals, and blood vessels in the brain—however the exact cause remains unknown.
Patients often say certain things trigger their migraines, including hormonal changes, stress, sleep issues and certain foods and drinks.
In the new study, those reporting poor oral health were also more likely to report body pain and a complex, incurable condition known as fibromyalgia.
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.
‘Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterised by widespread musculoskeletal pain, and headaches including headaches, as well as fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive problems.’
This article was originally published by a www.dailymail.co.uk . Read the Original article here. .