If you’re one of the millions of women struggling with unexplained headaches, body pain, or even fibromyalgia—and you’ve ruled out the usual suspects like stress, sleep, or hormones—it may be time to look inside your mouth. Literally.

A powerful new study in Frontiers in Pain Research revealed a strong link between bad oral hygiene and higher risk of migraines and chronic body pain. The study implies that neglecting your morning brushing and flossing isn't just exposing your teeth to harm—perhaps it's also driving silent inflammation that amplifies pain sensitivity throughout the body.

Link Between Oral Microbes and Chronic Pain

In a joint study at the University of Sydney, scientists studied 158 New Zealand women, all of whom received thorough dental examinations and gave saliva samples for microbial testing. They compared their self-reported history of migraines, fibromyalgia, and abdominal pain to both their oral health and microbiota. The findings were remarkable.

Women with the poorest oral health—characterized by higher levels of plaque, gum disease, and inflammation—had a 49% greater chance of experiencing migraines and were 60% more likely to experience moderate to severe body pain.

“We’ve long known that oral microbes play a role in systemic inflammation,” said lead researcher Sharon Erdrich, a doctoral candidate at the University of Sydney. “But this is the first study to show a clear link between poor oral health and the kind of widespread pain experienced in fibromyalgia and migraine sufferers.”

Why Bacteria in Your Mouth Might Be Messing With Your Brain?

The mouth, with more than 700 microbial species calling it home, is an intricate ecosystem. When brushing and flossing routines fail, bad bacteria flourish. These microbes create chemicals that can stimulate inflammation, disrupt neurotransmitter signals, and modulate the nervous system's ability to perceive pain.

Senior researcher Joanna Harnett described how these pain-causing microbial products may pass into the bloodstream and impact pain processing centers in the brain, making one more sensitive to pain.

"Sleep disturbances, headaches, and fatigue—all the hallmarks of fibromyalgia—can have a microbial cause, and it starts in oral hygiene," said Harnett.

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, tender points, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive problems. It is most commonly found in women aged 20-50 and is notoriously hard to diagnose, going undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years.

Although the precise etiology is not known, the syndrome has been thought to be related to aberrations in pain signal processing in the brain. There is also emerging evidence of interaction among the immune system, gut microbiota, and recently, the oral microbiome.

Surprising Symptom in Your Mouth

For women who experience fibromyalgia or migraines, symptoms tend to flare at random. This research now adds that the status of oral health could be an untapped piece in the diagnostic picture.

Four different microbial species were found to be more common in women who complained of increased pain severity. Researchers are convinced that these microbes affect inflammatory pathways that render receptors for pain more active and sensitive.

This research isn't merely providing an intriguing microbial connection—it's a wake-up call about how we do oral hygiene.

From being a mere topic of pearly whites and good breath, brushing and flossing are now starting to be viewed as weapons in the fight against chronic pain. Better oral hygiene may be an inexpensive, easy-to-reach solution for individuals struggling with migraine, fibromyalgia, or otherwise unexplained pain in the body.

We also hope these findings inspire healthcare professionals to include oral care evaluations in pain treatment plans," Erdrich said. "Particularly for women with chronic, difficult-to-treat diseases."

Tips to Maximize Your Oral Health And Ease the Pain

• Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss once a day.
• Drink enough water to promote healthy saliva flow, which keeps bacteria in check.
• Avoid sweet foods and acidic drinks that fuel nasty microbes.
• Schedule regular dental check-ups every six months.
• Use an antibacterial mouthwash if advised by a dental professional.

Although further research is required to comprehend precisely how oral bacteria regulate pain, this research contributes to a mounting body of evidence that the mouth is considerably more linked to overall health than previously believed.

When 19-year-old Ketia Moponda set off from Wolverhampton to begin her first year at De Montfort University in Leicester, she was filled with the usual excitement of freshers’ week. But just eight days after arriving, what she thought was a simple “freshers’ flu” turned into a life-threatening battle with meningococcal septicaemia, as reported in the BBC. It is a rare and severe form of bacterial meningitis.

Within a matter of days, Ketia went from being a healthy teenager adjusting to university life to lying unconscious in hospital, fighting for survival. The illness would eventually claim both her legs below the knees and parts of her fingers, but Ketia has emerged as a determined advocate for awareness, warning other students about the risks and the importance of quick medical attention.

Mistaking Deadly Symptoms for Freshers’ Flu

Like many first-year students, Ketia brushed off her illness as something minor. “Don’t mistake everything for a common cold,” she now warns. “I made that mistake and went to sleep. It could have been fatal.”

Her memory of those final hours before being found is hazy. For 27 hours, she lay in her university accommodation, gravely ill. When worried friends and security staff finally entered her room, the scene was alarming. “As soon as they opened the door, they had to call the emergency services because it was described as looking like foul play,” she recalled. “There was blood and vomit everywhere. My body was failing.”

She was rushed to Leicester Royal Infirmary, where doctors placed her in a coma to stabilize her condition. Her family were driven under blue lights to join her, fearing the worst.

Defying the Odds

Doctors were not confident Ketia would survive. But after two days, she woke from the coma, unable to see or speak and barely aware of her surroundings. “I couldn’t see or speak and it was a whole week before I started speaking,” she said. “Most of the time I didn’t know where I was.”

The meningococcal bacteria had spread rapidly through her bloodstream, cutting off circulation to her extremities. The skin on her fingers and feet began to shrivel, swell, and turn painful. Despite antibiotics, her limbs could not be saved.

On January 7, 2025, doctors at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham amputated both of her legs below the knees, along with parts of her fingers and thumbs. “Basically my legs had died because of a lack of blood going to them,” she explained. “It was terrible. I just kept crying all the time. I felt so hurt, it was killing my spirit.”

A Long Recovery Journey

Ketia spent five months in hospital, undergoing multiple surgeries, including skin grafts after developing a secondary flesh-eating infection. The experience was traumatic, but her determination to recover was evident. “I felt like my whole life had just begun and now I had to start all over again differently,” she said.

The road to recovery has been slow, but Ketia is now finding strength in her new reality. She has become active on TikTok, sharing her journey as a young, Black, female amputee, a representation she says is rarely visible in mainstream media. “It’s rare that you see an amputee just out there in front of your face,” she said. “Even though seeing an amputee is not normal, I want it to be a norm.”

Understanding Meningococcal Septicaemia

According to the NHS, meningococcal septicaemia is caused when meningococcal bacteria enter the bloodstream, leading to blood poisoning and, in many cases, meningitis, inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord. It is less common than viral meningitis but significantly more dangerous, requiring urgent treatment with intravenous antibiotics.

Symptoms can appear similar to flu at first, including fever, headache, and nausea. But the illness can worsen very quickly, leading to confusion, vomiting, severe pain, and sometimes a distinctive rash. The NHS stresses that people should not wait for all the symptoms to appear or until a rash develops. If meningitis is suspected, medical help must be sought immediately.

Vaccination and Student Awareness

Many students in the UK receive the MenB vaccination during secondary school, which Ketia had also received. But the vaccine does not cover all strains of the bacteria, meaning cases still occur.

Each year, universities and health organizations urge new students to register with a local GP and familiarize themselves with the signs of meningitis. Some institutions distribute welcome packs with symptom cards to help students recognize warning signs early.

The NHS advice is clear: trust your instincts. If symptoms seem worse than a normal flu or cold, or if something feels unusual, seek urgent medical help.

Inspiring Others Through Adversity

Despite the life-altering consequences of her illness, Ketia is determined to transform her experience into a message of awareness and empowerment. She wants students to be vigilant about their health and to not dismiss symptoms too quickly.

She also hopes her story inspires people to rethink perceptions of disability. “Disability does not limit ambition, beauty, or confidence,” she said. Her presence online as a confident amputee challenges stereotypes and gives visibility to people often overlooked.

Did you know that among the 6.2 million Americans aged 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s disease, nearly two-thirds are women? This means women are almost twice as likely as men to develop the condition. While longer life expectancy partly explains the difference, research shows that hormonal changes after menopause, genetic factors, and certain lifestyle patterns also increase risk.

As a result, understanding the early warning signs and taking preventive steps is especially important for women, who face a higher likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s as they age.

Women and Alzheimer’s: Why The Risk Is Higher

Dr. Brij Lal Choudhary, Consultant Neurologist at Manipal Hospital, Jaipur, points out that Alzheimer’s is often seen as a condition of old age, but women are disproportionately affected. Nearly two-thirds of Alzheimer’s patients are women, making it almost twice as common in women compared to men. While longer life expectancy plays a role, other factors, such as hormonal changes after menopause, genetic predisposition, and lifestyle patterns also increase risk.

Early Signs of Alzheimer’s Women Should Watch

Memory loss: Forgetting recent events, appointments, or familiar names, with lapses gradually worsening.

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• Difficulty managing tasks or problem-solving: Struggling with daily responsibilities, finances, or planning may indicate cognitive changes.
• Confusion: Feeling disoriented over simple or familiar activities.
• Mood or personality changes: Sudden anxiety, frequent irritability, or withdrawing from social life.
• Language difficulties: Trouble finding the right words or expressing thoughts clearly.

Increased Risk of Alzheimer's in WomenStudies consistently show that women are at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease compared to men. For instance, a Swedish study involving 16,926 participants found that, starting around age 80, women were more likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's than men of the same age. Similarly, research in Taiwan indicated that over a seven-year period, women had a higher likelihood of developing Alzheimer's compared to men. A European meta-analysis revealed that approximately 13 women out of 1,000 developed Alzheimer's each year, compared to only seven men, as per Harvard Health Publishing.

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While the longer life expectancy of women contributes to this disparity, it doesn't fully explain the difference. Even among individuals of the same age, women are more likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's than men. This suggests that factors beyond longevity, such as hormonal changes, genetic predispositions, and immune system differences, may play significant roles in the increased risk for women.

How to Reduce Risk and Protect Cognitive HealthAlthough Alzheimer’s cannot be reversed, several steps can help lower risk and support brain health:

• Regular cognitive screenings to monitor changes over time.
• Mental stimulation through reading, puzzles, or learning new skills.
• Physical exercise to improve blood flow and overall health.
• Managing blood pressure and blood sugar to reduce vascular-related risks.

We all experience occasional forgetfulness or feel a bit scatterbrained from time to time, often attributing it to stress, a busy lifestyle, or simply getting older. However, repeated lapses in memory, confusion, or difficulty performing everyday tasks can sometimes signal the early stages of Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Recognising these warning signs early is crucial, as timely awareness and intervention can help manage the condition more effectively and improve quality of life.

As we observe World Alzheimer’s Day 2025, it’s the perfect moment to learn about Alzheimer’s, understand its early indicators, and know what experts recommend paying attention to.

What Is Alzheimer’s?

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For most people, symptoms first appear in their mid-60s, according to the National Institute on Aging. Current estimates indicate that over 6 million Americans aged 65 and older may be living with Alzheimer’s. Age remains the greatest known risk factor, and with the population aging, the number of cases is expected to rise.

Stages of Alzheimer’sAlzheimer’s disease progresses gradually, with symptoms worsening over time. It is generally divided into three stages: early (mild), middle (moderate), and late (severe). In the early stage, memory lapses and confusion begin to interfere with daily life. During the middle stage, challenges with language, reasoning, and daily activities become more pronounced. In the late stage, individuals may lose the ability to communicate, require full-time care, and become highly dependent on others. Understanding the stages helps families and caregivers plan support and interventions more effectively.

Alzheimer’s vs Dementia

Early Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s

• Persistent Memory Loss: Forgetting recent conversations, events, or important dates more often than usual, affecting daily life.
• Difficulty in Planning or Problem-Solving: Challenges with tasks like handling finances, following recipes, or keeping track of everyday responsibilities.
• Impairment of Spatial Memory: Forgetting familiar routes or even one’s way back home.
• Changes in Mood or Personality: Increased irritability, withdrawal from social activities, or unexpected anxiety and depression.