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

Introduction: 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. Materials Methods: 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. Results: 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). Conclusion: Implementation of quadruple therapy plus FMD may reduce recurrence of the infection although further studies are recommended to confirm the results.