Helicobacter pylori colonization and oral health in children

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a microaerophilic gram-negative bacterium infecting approximately one half of the world’s population. The oral cavity and dental plaque may be a reservoir for H. pylori infection. Diagnosis of H. pylori infection in children differs from that of adults. Although H. pylori has long been known to be detected in the oral cavity, the significance of such findings are controversial. Oral H. pylori may play an important role in re-infection of the gastric mucosa. The gold standard for eradicating H. pylori infection is standard triple therapy. The studies have shown promising results in the management of both oral and gastric H. pylori.