Effect of Helicobacter pylori on enamel and dentin development - an in vitro study in mice

A heavy infection in a primary molar tooth can impair the enamel formation of the underlying permanent successor. Helicobacter pylori colonizes primarily the stomach, but it has also been detected in oral samples, including in the dental pulp of infected primary teeth. Here, we aim to test if H. pylori can disturb enamel and dentin formation.

Mandibular molar explants of E18.5 mice were grown for 12 days in media containing 10% of H. pylori cell lysates. The presence and extent of enamel and dentin on the mesial surface of the first molar explants were evaluated from stereomicroscopic photographs and histologically.

The statistical analyses revealed that less enamel was formed in the test (N = 47) than in the control first molars (N = 28, p < 0.001). Most severe disturbances were seen in explants grown in media containing H. pylori cell lysates, which were made from stationary growth-phase cultures, with high optical density. Histological findings showed that dentin mineralization was also impaired.

The results suggest that H. pylori disturbs enamel and dentin development in cultured mouse embryonic molar teeth. This provides new insight into the etiology of enamel disturbances in permanent teeth.