Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 15, 2025
Robust Ligature-Induced Model of Murine Periodontitis for the Evaluation of Oral Neutrophils
Published on: January 21, 2020
Increased Risk of Migraine in Patients with Chronic Periodontitis: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Yung-Kai Huang1, Li-Chiu Yang2, Yu-Hsun Wang3
1Department of Oral Hygiene, College of Dental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan.
Abstract:
Migraine is considered to be a neurovascular disease that manifests as a throbbing headache, possibly caused by the activation of the trigeminovascular system. Several studies have supported the role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of migraine. Chronic periodontitis (CP) is an infectious inflammatory disease triggered by bacterial products evoking an immune response which could result in the destruction of the periodontium. However, little is known about the longitudinal association between CP and migraine. In this study, we designed a nationwide population-based cohort study to investigate the risk of migraine and CP exposure in Taiwan. In total, 68,282 patients with CP were identified from the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD), and 68,282 comparisons were randomly captured and matched by age, sex, monthly income, urbanization and comorbidities. The association between CP exposure and migraine risk was evaluated by Cox proportional hazards regression models. In this study, 785 migraine patients were identified in the CP cohort, and 641 migraine cases were found in the non-CP cohort. The incidence rate of migraine was significantly higher in the CP cohort than the non-CP cohort (adjusted HR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.09-1.34, p < 0.001) during the 13-year follow-up period. Females had a 2.69-fold higher risk for migraine than males (95% CI: 2.38-3.04, p < 0.001). In summary, CP is associated with an increased risk of subsequent migraine in Taiwan.
Insights
Chronic periodontitis (CP) is linked to a higher risk of developing migraine headaches. This population-based study found a significant association, highlighting the importance of oral health in neurological conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Periodontology
- Public Health
Background:
- Migraine is a neurovascular disorder potentially involving inflammation and trigeminovascular system activation.
- Chronic periodontitis (CP) is an infectious inflammatory disease affecting the periodontium.
- The longitudinal relationship between CP and migraine risk remains underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between chronic periodontitis and the subsequent risk of migraine.
- To analyze this relationship using a nationwide population-based cohort in Taiwan.
Main Methods:
- A nationwide population-based cohort study design.
- Identification of 68,282 patients with CP and matched controls from the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD).
- Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to evaluate the association over a 13-year follow-up period.
Main Results:
- The incidence of migraine was significantly higher in the CP cohort compared to the non-CP cohort (adjusted HR: 1.21, p < 0.001).
- A 13-year follow-up revealed a 21% increased risk of migraine in individuals with CP.
- Females exhibited a 2.69-fold higher risk of migraine compared to males (p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Chronic periodontitis is significantly associated with an increased risk of developing migraine.
- Findings suggest a potential link between inflammatory conditions like CP and the pathogenesis of migraine.
- Public health initiatives may benefit from considering the oral-systemic health connection in migraine prevention.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Teeth
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin...
01:26Tonsillitis II: Management
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...