Effects of full-mouth disinfection on the recurrence of helicobacter pylori infection

 The oral cavity has been suggested as a potential reservoir for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), which could be a major cause of reinfection after standard systemic therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of full-mouth disinfection (FMD) on the recurrence of H. pylori infection.

This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 40 patients with chronic periodontitis and H. pylori infection. Of these, 20 patients received quadruple anti-H. pylori therapy only (group A) and the other 20 patients received quadruple therapy plus FMD (group B). The presence of H. pylori was detected by a 14C-urea breath test (UBT) after 1 and 6 months. Data were analyzed with SPSS 16 using the chi-square test. A value of p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Of 40 dyspeptic patients, 15(75%) and 18(90%) of 20 in groups A and B, respectively, had a negative UBT after 4 weeks. Of the patients with successful eradication of H. pylori after 1 month, 8(53.3%) and 6(33.3%) of 15 in group A and 18 in group B, respectively had a positive UBT after 6 months. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in the follow-up periods (p>0.05).

Implementation of quadruple therapy plus FMD may reduce recurrence of the infection although further studies are recommended to confirm the results.