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Halitosis and Helicobacter pylori: a possible relationship
E Ierardi1, A Amoruso, T La Notte
1Cattedra di Gastroenterologia, Istituto di Pediatria Sociale e Preventiva, Universita' di Bari, Italy.
Digestive Diseases and Sciences
|January 9, 1999
Summary
This study suggests Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) may cause bad breath. Eradicating H. pylori improved halitosis in many patients, while antiseptic mouthwash was less effective in H. pylori-positive individuals.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Oral Medicine
- Microbiology
Background:
- Halitosis, or bad breath, is a common complaint.
- The role of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in halitosis is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential association between objective halitosis and H. pylori infection.
- To evaluate the efficacy of H. pylori eradication therapy and antiseptic mouth rinses in managing halitosis.
Main Methods:
- Studied 58 dyspeptic patients with self-reported halitosis.
- Measured breath sulfide levels to objectively assess halitosis.
- Administered H. pylori eradication therapy and chlorhexidine mouth rinses to assess treatment effects.
Main Results:
- Objective halitosis was present in 52/58 patients.
- H. pylori eradication therapy successfully reduced halitosis in 15/30 positive patients.
- Chlorhexidine mouth rinses improved halitosis in H. pylori-negative patients but not in those with persistent H. pylori infection.
Conclusions:
- H. pylori infection may be a contributing factor to halitosis.
- Successful H. pylori eradication can resolve halitosis.
- Antiseptic mouth rinses may be effective for halitosis primarily when H. pylori is absent.