Oral Health Is Associated with Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction in Adult Women.

Background: The disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI) form a heterogeneous group of gastrointestinal disorders that, to date, have no organic basis. The role of oral health in the development of these disorders has not been explored.

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between oral health and the DGBI.

Methods: Data obtained from 166 women with (n = 113) and without fibromyalgia (n = 55) during a prospective observational study conducted in New Zealand during 2022 was evaluated for correlations between oral health measures (WHO oral health questionnaire), and the DGBI (Rome IV survey).

Results: Of the 166 women enrolled in the study, 122 (73.5%) met criteria for at least one DGBI. Women who met criteria for any of the esophageal, gastroduodenal, bowel, and anorectal disorders had significantly lower oral health scores (p < 0.001). For 12 specific DGBI, oral health scores were significantly lower (p < 0.05). Oral health scores were inversely associated with the number of DGBI detected in each participant (ρ = - 0.590, p < 0.001, 95% CI [- 0.69, - 0.48]).

Conclusion: The results of this study suggest there is an association between the oral health and the presence, type, and number of DGBIs in women. Further research to examine the nature of this relationship is required.