title: Relationship of Halitosis with Gastric Helicobacter Pylori Infection.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Gastric infection with Helicobacter pylori may be one of the main causes of halitosis. This study was performed to evaluate the relationship of Helicobacter pylori infection with halitosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  This case control study was performed on 44 dyspeptic patients with a mean age of 34.29±13.71 years (range 17 to 76 years). The case group included 22 patients with halitosis and no signs of diabetes mellitus, renal or liver failure, upper respiratory tract infection, malignancies, deep carious teeth, severe periodontitis, coated tongue, dry mouth or poor oral hygiene. Control group included 22 patients without halitosis and the same age, sex, systemic and oral conditions as the case group. Halitosis was evaluated using organoleptic test (OLT) and Helicobacter pylori infection was evaluated by Rapid Urease Test (RUT) during endoscopy. The data were statistically analyzed using chi square, Mann Whitney and t-tests.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Helicobacter pylori infection was detected in 20 (91%) out of 22 halitosis patients, and 7 control subjects (32%) (P<0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Helicobacter pylori gastric infection can be a cause of bad breath. Dentists should pay more attention to this infection and refer these patients to internists to prevent further gastrointestinal (GI) complications and probable malignancies.
authors.affiliation: Assistant Professor, Department of Oral Medicine, Dental Branch Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: Farnaz
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: HajiFattahi
authors.affiliation: Dentist, General Practitioner.
authors.forename: Maryam
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hesari
authors.affiliation: Associate Professor, Department of Gastroenterology, Shahid Beheshty University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: Homayoun
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Zojaji
authors.affiliation: Associate Professor, Department of Periodontics, Dental Branch Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: Fatemeh
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Sarlati
keywords: Dental plaque index; Gastrointestinal diseases; Halitosis, Helicobacter pylori; Periodontal diseases