Detection of Helicobacter pylori colonization in dental plaques and tonguescrapings of patients with chronic gastritis

Objective: It has been suggested that the oral cavity and dental plaque mig ht be a reservoir for Helicobacter pylori (Hp). In this study, our aims wer e to detect the prevalence of Hp colonization in dental plaque and tongue s crapings of patients with chronic gastritis and to investigate the effect o f systemic treatment upon this colonization and eradication of Hp from gast ric mucosa. Method and materials: Eighty-one patients (49 men, 32 women) we re included in the study. Dental plaque and tongue scraping specimens were obtained and assessed with Campylobacter-like organism (CLO) test, prior to endoscopic examination. By endoscopy, 2 antral and 1 corpus biopsy samples were taken for histologic examination, and 1 antral biopsy sample was take n for CLO test examination. Results: Chronic gastritis was diagnosed in 63 (77.7%) of 81 patients. Dental plaque samples of 64 (79%) patients and tong ue scraping samples of 48 (59.2%) patients were urease positive. Of the 63 patients with chronic gastritis, dental plaque and tongue scrapings were ur ease positive in 52 (83%) and 37 (59%) patients, respectively. After 14 day s of triple drug therapy (omeprazole, clarithromycin, and amoxicillin), Hp was eradicated from the gastric mucosa of almost all of the patients, where as no changes were detected in dental plaque and tongue scrapings by CLO te st examination. Conclusion: Helicobacter pylori colonization, which seemed to be high in dental plaque and on the tongue, might play an important role in the pathogenesis of the reinfection process. In order to eradicate Hp f rom both the oral cavity and the gastric mucosa, studies should be performe d to assess the effects of plaque control procedures in addition to present treatment modalities.