Helicobacter pylori and halitosis: A comparative quasi-experimental clinical trial study

Abstract

Halitosis or mouth malodor is a known problem for many years. The knowledge regarding the possible association of Helicobacter pylori infection is quite limited in literature. A comparative quasi experimental clinical trial study was conducted on 17 H. pylori positive patients and 16 H. pylori negative patients who were complaining of halitosis. All patients, regardless of H. pylori infection, received two-week's treatment of clarithromycin (500 mg BID) and amoxicillin (1 g BID) along with three month's long omeprazole; a pretested questionnaire was used for self-reported measurement of halitosis. Halitosis was assessed after three and six months of continued treatment. Patients were also checked for eradication of H. pylori infection. Mean estimated time for improvement was 74.4 days for H. pylori negative group compared to 46.8 days for H. pylori positive group. 12 out of 17 patients in this group improved during the treatment time, while only 4 of the 16 patients in H. pylori negative group improved (P<0.01). The relative risks of halitosis resolution in H. pylori positive group over H. pylori negative group were 2.8 and 3.3, respectively after 3 and 6 months. H. pylori eradication can resolve halitosis in majority of patients without an oral pathology causing halitosis. H. pylori may be a probable rather than a possible cause of halitosis.