SYDNEY, Australia: The underlying causes of central sensitisation disorders such as migraine and fibromyalgia are poorly understood. The gut–brain axis has been associated with their pathophysiology, but the role of the mouth as a component has been under-explored. New research from the University of Sydney has investigated connections between the oral microbiome and these disorders in women and found that poor oral health is significantly associated with a higher incidence of migraine, abdominal pain and body pain. This world-first study identified specific oral microbes correlated with certain pain conditions, suggesting a potential relationship between the oral microbiome and the nervous system.