Helicobacter pylori and oral pathology

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori (Hp) is one of the most common infections worldwide, with important implications in gastric pathology. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for the control and prevention of gastric diseases. The role of Hp in the oral cavity has been investigated and studied for the past 30 years, with a growing interest because oral-oral transmission is one of the main routes. In patients with burning, halitosis, and lingual papillary hypertrophy (BHH) in the oral cavity, the dental plaque and lingual dorsum have been identified as Hp reservoirs for colonization. BHH is suggested as an effective marker for early diagnosis of Hp infection, which should be confirmed by molecular techniques and correlated with gastric involvement.