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A 49-year-old man attended an oral health campaign for a preliminary screening of potentially malignant lesions using a fluorescent developer substance. At the time of examination, he displayed no apparent symptoms. However, upon questioning, the man disclosed having uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension, as well as a history of alcohol consumption and tobacco smoking. He reported no family history of cancer, no prior surgeries or dental procedures, and no dental visits in the past decade. Clinical examination of the oral cavity revealed poor oral health, tooth loss, and mobility, with bleeding noted in some posterior teeth. Application of the fluorescent substance revealed areas with discoloration distinct from the oral mucosa, leading to a presumptive positive diagnosis of potentially malignant oral lesions. Additionally, dental tartar and floating dentobacterial plaque were identified. The substance's use also aids in the identification of microbial structures, facilitating easy detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is the most common in the world and is associated with various gastrointestinal pathologies, including chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, and gastric cancer. The prevalence is associated with socioeconomic conditions, with this infection being more common in developing countries than in developed countries. The presence and permanence of H. pylori in the oral cavity has been reported, but its role is controversial. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of H. pylori in dental plaque of patients with periodontitis. A cross-sectional study was carried out and Periodontal Screening and Recording (PSR) index was determined. 38 dental plaque samples were taken and total DNA was extracted and qPCR was performed. 60.5% of the samples (n = 23) were positive for the presence of H. pylori by the amplification of the 16S rRNA and vacA genes. In addition, cagA gene was detected in 21.7% (n = 5) of H. pylori -positive. A significant relationship between periodontal status and H. pylori oral infection was found (P ≤ 0.05); patients with initial and moderate periodontitis were the most affected with 39.1% and 30.4%, respectively. Our results suggest that the prevalence of H. pylori in the oral cavity could be related to the progression of periodontal disease. Therefore, oral hygiene and treatment for the elimination of oral H. pylori could stop the progression of periodontal disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]