People living with chronic pain, migraines, fibromyalgia or ongoing gut symptoms often work with a team of health professionals such as GPs, pain specialists, psychologists, and physiotherapists. What many don’t realise is that oral health may also play a small part in the bigger picture of how the body manages pain.
A new 2025 study in Frontiers in Pain Research explored this idea in women with central sensitisation disorders and found an interesting pattern: women reporting poorer oral health, and certain oral microbiome changes, also reported higher levels of pain.
This doesn’t prove cause and effect, but it does highlight an emerging connection worth understanding.
Understanding central sensitisation & the oral microbiome
Central sensitisation describes a state where the nervous system becomes more reactive to pain. People with these conditions may experience widespread body pain, chronic migraines, fatigue, sleep disturbance or gut discomfort.
The oral microbiome - the community of bacteria in the mouth - is another part of this story. When it’s in balance, it supports immune function and oral health. When it’s out of balance, inflammation can increase, and that may influence the rest of the body in subtle ways. Researchers are now exploring whether these bacterial patterns may also relate to chronic pain sensitivity.
What the new study explored
Researchers followed 158 non-smoking women experiencing central sensitisation-type symptoms. They assessed self-reported oral health (e.g., bleeding gums, loose teeth, discomfort), measured pain levels, and analysed saliva samples to look at bacterial activity.
They then compared how oral health, oral bacteria and pain levels related to one another.
What the researchers found
Poorer oral health tracked with higher pain
Women who reported poorer oral health were more likely to experience migraine and reported higher overall pain.
Certain oral bacteria were more common in women with higher pain
Some groups of bacteria associated with oral inflammation were more common in women who also reported more pain. This doesn’t point to a single “bad bug”. Instead, it suggests that bacterial balance and oral inflammation may interact with how some people experience pain.
A possible oral–nervous system link
The researchers proposed a potential connection where oral dysbiosis (an imbalanced microbiome) may contribute to inflammatory signals that influence pain sensitivity in people already living with central sensitisation disorders.
This is still early research; it hints at a relationship rather than proving a direct cause.
What this study does not mean
To stay safely within Australian health advertising rules and good ethics, here’s what we cannot say:
- We cannot say that gum disease or tooth problems directly cause migraines, fibromyalgia or IBS.
- We cannot claim that fixing your teeth will cure chronic pain.
- We cannot promise that changing your oral microbiome will reduce your pain.
Chronic pain is complex. Genetics, stress, sleep, diet, gut health, hormonal factors and past medical history all contribute.
What this research suggests
Looking after your mouth is part of looking after your whole body – especially if you live with chronic pain. At Mentone Family Dentist, we like to think in terms of “family mouth care” – caring for the mouths of the whole family as one of the foundations of long-term health. For people with chronic pain, this may be especially important.
Here’s how that looks in everyday life:
Managing gum inflammation - Gum inflammation is a known contributor to systemic inflammatory load. Reducing inflammation in the mouth is a simple, low-risk step that can support general health.
Detecting hidden issues early - Cracked teeth, gum disease or untreated infections can add to overall inflammation. A gentle exam, and when appropriate, advanced imaging such as CBCT, can help identify issues early.
Supporting a healthier oral microbiome - You can’t (and shouldn’t) sterilise your mouth. But you can support a healthier balance of bacteria by:
- Brushing twice daily with a soft toothbrush
- Cleaning between teeth once a day
- Managing dry mouth
- Reducing sugary and acidic foods
- Regular professional cleans to disrupt mature biofilms
These simple steps are not “pain treatments”, but they are good chronic disease prevention strategies that may complement the rest of your healthcare.
Working with your broader health team
If you already see a pain specialist, neurologist, psychologist or dietitian, we will always respect their expertise. With your consent, we can communicate clearly to ensure your oral health is part of the wider understanding of your wellbeing.
When should someone with chronic pain see a dentist?
If you live with chronic pain, fibromyalgia, migraines or IBS-type symptoms, it may be worth booking a dental check-up if:
- It’s been more than 6–12 months since your last visit
- Your gums bleed when brushing or flossing
- You have loose teeth, bad breath or a “metallic” taste
- You are avoiding certain foods because of your teeth or jaw
- You’re not sure whether your mouth is healthy and would like a thorough, honest assessment
At Mentone Family Dentist, we take extra care with patients who experience chronic pain or anxiety. Our team focuses on gentle, unhurried assessments and clear explanations so you can make informed decisions confidently.
We cannot promise to fix chronic pain but we can help ensure your mouth is supporting, not hindering, your overall health.
Disclaimer
This article is general information only and does not replace advice from your GP, pain specialist or other healthcare professionals. If you experience new or worsening symptoms such as facial swelling, severe pain or difficulty swallowing, please seek urgent care.
References
- Erdrich S, Gelissen IC, Vuyisich M, Toma R, Harnett JE.
An association between poor oral health, oral microbiota, and pain identified in New Zealand women with central sensitisation disorders: a prospective clinical study. Frontiers in Pain Research. 2025;6:1577193.
- Alizadeh N, et al.
Microbiota–Pain Association; Recent Discoveries and Research Progress. Current Microbiology. 2023;80:29.
- [Author details pending – review article]
The Gut Microbiota and Chronic Pain. Current Pain and Headache Reports. 2023.
- [FDI World Dental Federation].
Relationship Between Oral and Systemic Diseases – Fact Sheet for Non-Oral Health Professionals. FDI World Dental Federation, 2024.
- [FDI World Dental Federation].
Adult Oral Health Fact Sheet. FDI World Dental Federation, 2025.
- [Springer Review]
Integrative insights into the oral microbiome’s role in systemic health and disease. Archives of Microbiology. 2025 (online ahead of print).