Does the presence of the Helicobacter pylori in the dental plaque associate with its gastric infection? A meta-analysis and systematic review.

Background: There is a great deal of studies on the relationship between the existence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in oral cavity (dental plaque) and in stomach of patients, with conflicting results worldwide. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the existing litreature to assess if the dental plaque could be a source of gastric H.