Cohort study, 2021
Does tooth sensitivity change across the menstrual cycle?
Women had significantly higher sensitivity to cold pain during the menstrual phase compared to other phases. The evidence is moderately strong from this small longitudinal study.
What they did
Longitudinal study of 47 regularly menstruating women aged 20-45 (24 healthy, 23 with jaw joint pain disorders). Researchers tested tooth nerve sensitivity using electric and cold stimuli at five different menstrual phases.
What they found
Cold sensitivity was significantly higher in the menstrual phase compared to luteal in healthy women (P=.019), and compared to follicular, periovulatory and luteal phases in women with jaw disorders (P=.033, P=.003, P=.007 respectively). No significant differences were found for electrical stimulation. Depression was identified as an independent factor influencing cold and electric response in the menstrual phase, regardless of age or disorder status.
What it means for you
The menstrual cycle may affect tooth sensitivity to cold pain, with a potential link to depression. This small study only tested tooth sensitivity, so it is unclear whether these findings apply to other types of pain or if they occur in other populations.
47
women in study
24
healthy women
23
women with jaw disorders
About the study
- Original title
- Changes in pulp sensitivity across the menstrual cycle in healthy women and women with temporomandibular disorders
- Authors
- Krunic J, Mladenovic I, Radovic I et al.
- Journal
- Journal of oral rehabilitation
- Year
- 2021
- Study design
- Cohort study
- Participants
- 47
- What was tested
- None. Observational study tracking natural menstrual cycle variation.
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1111/joor.13116
Topics
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