Research Corner - Association between oral diseases and oral Helicobacter pylori infection: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Dr Kitty Guo has kindly written a short precis of a recently published article.
Association between oral diseases and oral Helicobacter pylori infection: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Helicobacter pylori is a common gastric organism and aetiological factor for peptic ulcer disease and gastric malignancy. The goal of treatment for H. pylori is eradication therapy, however, the oral cavity has been identified as a reservoir for H. pylori, preventing eradication and is proposed to lead to re-infection. This systematic review discusses the association between periodontitis and H. pylori, identifying dental plaque as a consistent sample with positive H. pylori identification. The authors suggest, in line with the literature, that the oral reservoir should be considered in eradication therapy, i.e. improved oral hygiene may be an important adjunct in supporting successful eradication.