You’ve likely heard of the gut microbiome, but did you know your mouth hosts its own collection of microbes? Home to approximately 700 species of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms, your oral microbiome is the second most diverse microbiome in the body, following the gut. New research suggests that specific microbes in your mouth could play a significant role in triggering migraines.
A recent study at the University of Sydney examined the connection between oral health and pain, particularly focusing on migraines. Over 150 women under the age of 75 participated in the study, filling out a questionnaire on their oral health, based on the World Health Organization’s oral health survey. In addition to answering questions, they submitted saliva samples for microbiome analysis. The results were surprising, showing a strong link between oral health and various forms of pain.
Migraines are well-known for being triggered by factors like stress, poor sleep, and certain foods, but there’s growing evidence that oral health could also be a major factor. The connection between oral health and headaches isn’t new. Jaw pain, for instance, can lead to migraines. In 2020, researchers found a link between migraines and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, which affects the joint connecting the skull and jaw.
However, the Sydney study took a deeper look by analyzing the oral microbiome data to find specific microbes associated with different types of pain. Among those with migraines, one bacteria stood out: Mycobacterium salivarium. This finding builds on earlier research, which has isolated Mycobacterium salivarium in the joints of people with TMJ. Further studies have also identified higher numbers of nitrate-reducing microbes in the mouths of people suffering from migraines. Though the research is still in its early stages, it emphasizes the importance of maintaining good oral health as a potential way to reduce migraine risk.
But how exactly do these microbes contribute to pain? Scientists are still working to uncover the mechanisms involved. Some microbes in the mouth, like Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, produce peptides that trigger immune responses, leading to conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Elevated levels of calcitonin gene-related peptide, a molecule that plays a crucial role in migraines, have been found in patients with periodontitis (gum disease) and chronic migraines. This suggests that the oral microbiome may influence both the immune system and pain pathways in the body.
Genetics also play a role in migraine susceptibility. Studies suggest that 40% to 50% of the risk for migraines is genetic. There are numerous genes that affect how likely someone is to experience migraines, which complicates efforts to pinpoint the precise causes of these painful episodes. Migraines, along with other pain conditions such as fibromyalgia and TMJ, are influenced by a variety of factors, making it challenging to fully understand the underlying causes.
One emerging theory is the concept of the “oral microbiome-nervous system axis.” This theory posits that poor oral health, particularly the presence of harmful pathogens in the mouth, could lead to systemic inflammation that activates the brain’s immune system. Microbes can interact with neurotransmitters, potentially triggering a migraine when they attach to these pain-signaling molecules. While this idea is still in the early stages, it opens the door to new approaches in understanding how oral health influences neurological conditions like migraines.
Looking ahead, researchers are exploring ways to target the oral microbiome in migraine treatment. This could involve improving oral hygiene practices, using probiotics, or making dietary changes to restore a healthy balance of microbes in the mouth. Researchers hope that, in the near future, affordable genetic and microbiome screenings could help identify individuals at higher risk for migraines, allowing for more targeted treatment options.
As science continues to explore the link between oral health and migraines, it’s becoming clearer that a healthy mouth might not only prevent tooth decay but could also help in reducing the frequency and severity of migraine headaches.
