I recently attended a gastroenterology conference where one presentation really caught my attention. It was about new research from New Zealand exploring the link between fibromyalgia, digestive health, and oral health.1
We often think of the mouth and the gut as two separate systems, one for eating, one for digesting, but they’re actually closely connected. In fact, the health of your mouth may influence your energy levels, mood, inflammation, and even pain.
How Fibromyalgia and Digestive Issues Overlap
Many people with fibromyalgia also experience ongoing digestive problems like bloating, acid reflux, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The New Zealand study, called the FIDGIT Study, found that participants who had poorer oral health also tended to have more digestive complaints. Researchers looked at things like chewing ability, gum inflammation, mouth pain, and how much their oral health affected quality of life. The worse someone’s oral health was, the more stomach and bowel symptoms they reported.
Why might that be? When gums are inflamed, the immune system becomes more activated throughout the body, which adds to overall inflammation, something already common in fibromyalgia. Researchers also believe that when gum tissue is irritated, oral bacteria can more easily travel to the gut, where they may upset the normal balance of the intestinal microbiome.
What the FIDGIT Study Found
Several types of oral bacteria were found more often in people with specific digestive problems:
- Tannerella was linked to chronic nausea and stomach pain.
- Gemella and Fusobacterium were associated with bowel issues and fecal incontinence.
- Haemophilus parainfluenzae appeared more often in participants with multiple gut complaints.
We don’t yet know if these bacteria directly cause gut issues, but their presence suggests that the mouth and gut are constantly communicating. The same bacteria that thrive in your mouth could be affecting your digestion, inflammation, and how you feel day-to-day.
Why This Matters (Even If You Don’t Have Fibromyalgia)
This research is important for everyone, not just people with fibromyalgia. Keeping your mouth healthy supports your whole-body health, including your gut. When your gums and teeth are healthy, your digestive system doesn’t have to work as hard to keep inflammation under control. Here are some simple ways to support both:
1. Choose a Whole-Food, Fiber-Rich Diet
Eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. These foods support a balanced gut microbiome and provide fiber that keeps both your digestion and your oral bacteria in check.
2. Brush and Floss Daily
Good oral hygiene is your first line of defense against inflammation. Brush gently twice a day, floss once daily, and don’t forget to brush your tongue.
3. Avoid Harsh Antiseptic Mouthwashes
While it’s tempting to reach for a strong mouthwash, many of them kill good bacteria along with the bad. Try gentler options, or ask your holistic dentist for a microbiome-friendly rinse recommendation.
4. Stay Hydrated
Drinking enough water supports saliva production, which helps keep the mouth’s environment balanced. Saliva naturally neutralizes acids and prevents bacterial overgrowth.
5. Schedule Regular Dental Visits
Your dentist can spot early signs of gum inflammation long before you notice symptoms. If possible, look for a holistic or biological dentist, one who considers how your oral health connects to the rest of your body.
Continuing Research
This research adds to a growing body of evidence showing that the mouth–gut connection plays a big role in chronic inflammation and systemic health. For those living with fibromyalgia, it offers hope that improving oral health could help reduce overall pain and fatigue.
Future studies will tell us more about whether improving gum health can ease digestive symptoms or even support better mood and energy. But one thing is clear right now: your mouth is part of your gut, and taking care of both is essential to feeling your best.
So the next time you think about your health routine, remember it’s not just about brushing your teeth for a bright smile. It’s about supporting your gut, energy, and whole-body wellness from the very first bite.
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Dr. Jennifer Potter, ND
Naturopathic Doctor San Jose
408-356-1364
Dr. Jennifer Potter, ND provides natural healthcare solutions for families and individuals, focusing on perimenopause/menopause, autoimmune conditions, fatigue, and immune support. She is deeply committed to her patient’s well being, prioritizes patient education and combines natural and conventional therapies to deliver personalized care. Outside of her practice, she enjoys time with her two kids, reading fiction, and crocheting.
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1 Determining the Association Between Fibromyalgia, the Gut Microbiome and Its Biomarkers: A Systematic Review. Erdrich S, Hawrelak JA, Myers SP, Harnett JE. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2020;21(1):181. doi:10.1186/s12891-020-03201-9.
