• Many people with fibromyalgia experience dental and oral health issues like dry mouth, jaw pain, and tooth problems, and these symptoms are more common than many realize

Many MyFibroTeam members have shared about their dental, facial, and oral issues: dry mouth, burning or itchy tongue, tired jaw, and broken teeth. And to some members’ surprise, others report the same experiences and are thankful they’re not alone. “It’s nice to know that it’s not all in my head,” wrote one member.

Only 11 percent of people with fibromyalgia syndrome are aware that oral health issues could be related to their condition. Researchers are still unsure why head, face, and mouth problems are so common with fibromyalgia, but here are five facts we do know.

1. Fibromyalgia Is Associated With Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction

Between 42 percent and 94 percent of people with fibromyalgia also have temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD). TMD is a general term for discomfort and functional problems with the temporomandibular joint (jaw joint), the muscles that move your jaw, and related areas (like the neck and ear). Many people with fibromyalgia experience painful symptoms, like widespread aching and throbbing in the jaw.

The head and face can also experience tender points, especially in these areas:

• The masticatory muscles, or the chewing muscles in your cheeks
• The sternocleidomastoid, a muscle on the side of the neck that helps turn the head or look down

The suboccipital muscles, which are located at the base of the skull and support fine-tuned head movements

People with fibromyalgia and TMD may also experience other related symptoms, like headaches and jaw locking.

TMD may be linked to fibromyalgia due to bruxism (teeth clenching and grinding). Many MyFibroTeam members report that anxiety is one of the most common symptoms, which can make grinding — and painful symptoms — worse.

One member said that their grinding sparks trigeminal neuralgia pain (nerve pain across the face): “It can be extremely painful. Grinding teeth from stress will definitely set off an attack.”

2. Fibromyalgia Is Linked to Oral Health Issues

People with fibromyalgia may experience oral health issues that impact teeth, gums, and even taste. Below are the most common.

• Dry mouth — Up to 71 percent of people with fibromyalgia experience dry mouth, which is a risk factor for other issues, like mouth ulcers or candidiasis (a fungal infection).
• Pain and burning — About 33 percent of people with fibromyalgia have burning mouth syndrome, a disorder that causes pain, tingling, or numbness.
• Altered taste — Just over 34 percent of people with fibromyalgia will report a foul, metallic, or salty taste in their mouths.

Some people can develop severe oral health

challenges. One member of MyFibroTeam asked if anyone else experienced tooth loss or breakage. “I’ve had three teeth shatter and fall out since being diagnosed with fibromyalgia. It certainly takes its toll on my self-confidence,” wrote one member.

Many MyFibroTeam members believe their oral health problems are due to their medications causing dry mouth. While medications like antidepressants and muscle relaxants are linked to dry mouth, not everyone who takes these medications experiences oral health issues.

Science isn’t clear on why there’s a link between fibromyalgia and oral health conditions. More research is needed to understand the relationship between fibromyalgia and problems like dry mouth and burning mouth syndrome.

3. Self-Care Can Help Prevent TMD, Oral Health Issues, and Fibromyalgia Symptoms

Self-care is a big way to take control of your oral and fibromyalgia symptoms (and overall health). This includes practicing oral hygiene, eating nutritional foods, and making good lifestyle choices.

Oral Hygiene

A study published in Frontiers in Pain Research showed that women with fibromyalgia and poor oral health were 60 percent more likely to experience body pain and 49 percent more likely to experience migraine headaches. This could be due to certain microbes (like bacteria) and their impact on your nervous system, which sends pain signals to the brain.

It’s important to take the time to practice good oral hygiene habits. This includes:

• Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
• Flossing once a day
• Getting routine dental cleanings

Nutrition

Some dietary choices may contribute to mouth infections, which can place added stress on the body and potentially worsen fibromyalgia symptoms.

One helpful change is limiting sweets and sugary drinks, which can lower your risk of mouth infections and support better oral health. This is important because mouth infections can place added stress on the body, potentially worsening fibromyalgia symptoms.

You might also consider following an anti-inflammatory diet, which aims to reduce pain by limiting foods that may trigger inflammation — including refined sugars, red meat, and certain fats. This type of diet focuses on whole, minimally processed foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, plant-based proteins, fiber-rich options, fish, olive oil, and poultry like chicken.

Lifestyle Choices

Tobacco and alcohol use and low physical activity are related to more intense fibromyalgia symptoms, a higher likelihood

of TMD, and oral health issues.

• Smoking — Tobacco use is linked to more sleep problems, higher anxiety, and worse quality of life in people with fibromyalgia. Plus, it can take a toll on oral health by increasing the risk of gum disease.

Alcohol — Moderate amounts of alcohol (one or fewer drinks per day for women and two or fewer drinks per day for men, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) may be connected to some health benefits.

• However, it shouldn’t be used to help manage chronic pain. Heavy and long-term drinking could lead to swollen and bleeding gums, bad breath, and major oral diseases. Alcohol consumption can also worsen stress and anxiety, factors that can lead to oral health problems.
• Limited physical activity — A slouched posture can affect your head, neck, and jaw position, and some research suggests this may be related to TMD. Exercise can help curb pain symptoms over time and can also help improve posture.

If you’re having trouble starting an exercise program or controlling your smoking or drinking habits, contact your healthcare team. They can offer counseling and guidance and pay close attention to symptom levels as you adjust to a healthier lifestyle.

5. Seeking Medical Guidance Early Can Help

If you’re experiencing discomfort in your head, face, or mouth, seek help sooner rather than later. Oral health problems and TMD can sometimes seem like your typical muscular soreness from fibromyalgia, but they need immediate attention to prevent a small issue from turning into a big one.

Going to the dentist can be scary for people with fibromyalgia. Some MyFibroTeam members weren’t expecting oral health issues until they were surprised during a visit. “I’ve had an email reminding me to make an appointment, but I keep putting it off,” wrote one member.

Another member could relate: “I have to get dentures. I’m terrified! I’ve been through so much pain. I just don’t want to go through any more.”

Thankfully, through more research, dentists and dental hygienists have been gaining a deeper understanding of fibromyalgia’s impact on TMD and oral health. For example, they know that usual occlusal splinting (a custom guard to protect the teeth) for TMD isn’t as effective for those with fibromyalgia as treatments like targeted massage.

Dental specialists can catch issues early and adjust dental treatments to make you feel more comfortable. They can also refer you to other health professionals who can help you manage your symptoms, including the ones below.

• Physical therapists — These clinicians can help treat TMD symptoms, like neck and jaw discomfort, and teach you simple exercises or stretches to ease your symptoms. They can also help you find ways to stay active, which can improve general pain tolerance over time.
  • Dietitians — You may benefit from nutritional support if you’re having trouble adjusting your diet to protect your oral health, like limiting sweets or other symptom-triggering foods.
  • Mental health professionals — A mental health specialist can help you manage anxiety, depression, or stress that may be causing teeth grinding or clenching. They can also teach you ways to cope with chronic pain or related health challenges.

Join the Conversation

On MyFibroTeam, people share their experiences with fibromyalgia, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Do you have pain in your jaw, mouth, or teeth? Let others know in the comments below.