Tooth pain hits harder: Why women suffer more than men

Poor oral health combined with chronic pain can weigh more heavily on women than on men, according to a new study by the University of Sydney. The findings reveal important differences in how dental health affects men and women, especially when chronic pain conditions are involved.

Higher risk of pain for women
The research found that women with poor dental health were significantly more likely to experience higher pain levels than men. Specifically, women were 49 per cent more likely to suffer from migraine headaches and 60 per cent more likely to report moderate to severe physical pain.

This shows that dental health issues are not just about cavities or gum disease — they can have much wider effects on a person's overall wellbeing, particularly in women.

Hormonal changes play a big role
Experts explain that hormonal changes are one of the biggest reasons behind this difference.

During menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, women's hormone levels fluctuate sharply. These changes can make women more sensitive to pain and affect how their bodies respond to health problems, including dental issues.

In contrast, men experience fewer hormonal changes throughout their lives, leading to a more stable experience of pain.

Psychological and social factors matter too
It’s not just biology that makes a difference.

Psychological and social factors — such as stress, mental health struggles, and emotional wellbeing — also play a part in how pain is felt and managed. Women tend to have lower pain thresholds and may be more affected by these factors, adding to the burden of chronic pain when oral health is poor.

Oral microbiome and chronic pain
Another important finding from the study was the connection between bacteria in the mouth and chronic pain conditions.

Researchers studied the oral microbiome of nearly 160 women and discovered that certain types of bacteria were linked to higher levels of chronic pain. This suggests that an unhealthy mouth can trigger or worsen body-wide pain problems, not just cause issues locally in the mouth.

Living with chronic pain makes oral care harder
Managing oral hygiene can become a major challenge for people living with chronic pain.

Chronic conditions like fibromyalgia or migraines often come with fatigue, depression, and medication side effects. These problems can make it difficult to maintain daily routines like brushing and flossing. Poor nutrition, smoking, and a lack of easy access to dental care can also contribute to worsening oral health.

As oral health declines, chronic pain can become even harder to manage, creating a difficult cycle that affects both the body and mind.

How to manage oral health with chronic pain
Experts stress the importance of early and consistent dental care for people dealing with chronic pain.

Some helpful tips include:

• Visiting dental professionals regularly for check-ups and cleanings
• Using softer toothbrushes that are gentler on sensitive gums
• Using medicinal mouth rinses to help control bacteria and inflammation
• Building small, sustainable oral hygiene habits that can fit into a busy or low-energy routine

Taking care of oral health is an important part of managing chronic pain, even if it feels overwhelming at times.

Why good oral health matters for everyone
This research highlights that good oral health is essential not just for a beautiful smile, but for protecting overall physical and mental health.

For women especially, taking care of dental health may help reduce the risk or severity of chronic pain conditions. It’s a reminder that the mouth is closely connected to the rest of the body — and looking after it can make a real difference in how we feel every day.