Oral Cavity as an Extragastric Reservoir of Helicobacter pylori.
Background. Several studies were reported on the prevalence, and relationship between the existence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in oral cavity and in stomach of patients. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the existing literature on the presence of H. pylori in the oral cavity and its link to gastric infection, the existence of coinfection, and the impact of anti-H. pylori therapy on the dental plaque and vice versa. Method. Two authors independently searched the Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases for relevant studies. The articles were analyzed critically and all qualified studies were included. The search was carried out by using a combined text and the MeSH search strategies: using the key words Helicobacter, Helicobacter pylori, and H. pylori in combination with dental plaque, periodontitis, and oral hygiene. Results. The data was presented in 8 tables and each topic separately discussed. Conclusion. Based on the systematic review of the available literature on H. pylori infection and its presence in the oral cavity, it can be concluded that dental plaque can act as a reservoir, and proper oral hygiene maintenance is essential to prevent reinfection. Due to the diversified methods and population groups involved in the available literature, no concrete evidence can be laid down. Further studies are necessary to establish the role of H. pylori in the oral cavity and its eradication on preventing the gastroduodenal infection.
Department of Dentistry, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Ministry of Defense, P.O. Box 2993, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia.
Arwa
0000-0001-5403-7536
A
Al Sayed
Department of Periodontics, People's College of Dental Sciences & Research Centre, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462037, India.
Pradeep S
PS
Anand
Department of Oral Pathology, People's Dental Academy, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462037, India.
Kavitha P
KP
Kamath
Department of Oral Pathology, MS Ramaiah Dental College and Hospital, Bangalore, Karnataka 560054, India.
Shankargouda
S
Patil
Department of Periodontics and Community Dentistry, College of Dentistry, King Saud University, P.O. Box 60169, Riyadh 11545, Saudi Arabia.
R S
RS
Preethanath
Department of Periodontics and Community Dentistry, College of Dentistry, King Saud University, P.O. Box 60169, Riyadh 11545, Saudi Arabia.
Sukumaran
S
Anil