Increased risk of periodontal disease and poor oral-related quality of life in fibromyalgia

OBJECTIVE: (1) To survey oral health in fibromyalgia (FM) and compare with population controls and (2) to assess whether patterns of contact allergy are related to oral status in FM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants: 60 females with FM who had previously received contact allergy testing. CONTROLS: 120 age- and gender-matched individuals. Questionnaire on aspects of oral health and symptoms and Oral Health Impact Profile-14. Clinical and radiological examination regarding oral health status. RESULTS: The degree of periodontal disease differed significantly between the FM and control groups (p = 0.017), with the difference most marked in younger patients. No difference was seen regarding dental caries and filled surfaces. FM patients had a higher prevalence of oral lesions than control patients (30.0% vs. 10.1%, p < 0.001). Younger FM patients had a poorer oral health-related quality of life than older patients. There was no relationship between oral symptoms or oral lesions and contact allergy. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with FM have a poorer oral status than controls, particularly concerning periodontitis and oral lesions. Further work is required to assess whether contact allergy may play a role in poorer oral status and systemic inflammation in FM.