Helicobacter pylori, an odontological point of view

Abstract

Introduction: Helicobacter pylori favors the formation of gastric ulcers, gastric carcinoma, MALT lymphoma, and is related to costly treatment, bacterial resistance and other adverse effects. Objective: To analyze the literature on the importance of H. pylori in dentistry, particularly its epidemiology, diagnostic methods, oral manifestations, treatment and the use of probiotics. Methodology: Current literature review carried out using the following databases: Pubmed and SCOPUS. The keywords used were Helicobacter pylori, diagnosis, treatment, dentistry, probiotics. Results: Epidemiology: It is up to 90% in developing countries, while the annual recurrence rate is much higher than in developed countries. Recurrence may occur by recrudescence or reinfection. Diagnosis: Methods include urea breath test, stool antigen test, serology and molecular methods. The preferred method is the rapid urease test of human biopsies. Oral manifestations: It has been associated with oral pathologies, including gingivitis/periodontal disease, aphthous stomatitis and oral cancer. Treatment: Standard triple therapy combines amoxicillin (1g twice daily) and clarithromycin (500mg twice daily) or metronidazole (500mg twice daily). Use of probiotics: significantly helps in repairing the intestinal microbiota affected by antibiotics, helping to decrease side effects. Conclusion: H. pylori infection represents a risk factor for the organism and antibiotic resistance complicates its eradication, an early diagnosis should be made to prevent adverse effects.