Evaluation of Periodontal Status among Patients with Helicobacter Pylori and Determination of Salivary PH, Flow Rate, and Alkaline Phosphatase Level

Abstract

Background: Up to 50% of people worldwide are infected with Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium with a spiral shape and a negative Gram stain. Negative impacts on oral health, including bad breath, dental caries, recurrent aphthous stomatitis, and glossitis, are caused by this particular pathogen.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between saliva pH, flow rate, alkaline phosphatase and periodontal status in patients with Helicobacter pylori.

Subjects and Methods: From December 2021 to July 2022, a case-control study was undertaken consisting of a group of 80 participants, consisting of both H. pylori-positive individuals as the study group (40) and healthy, H. pylori-uninfected individuals as the control group (40), all between the ages of 30 and 40. Both groups provided unstimulated saliva for the study. Alkaline phosphatase levels, pH, and flow rate are all measured during saliva analysis. Upon completing this routine, an assessment of periodontal pocket depth, bleeding on probing, and plaque is conducted.

Results: During the study, it was observed that the control group had lower plaque index, percentage of probing bleeding, and periodontal pocket depth compared to the study group. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (p<0.05). The control group also had higher salivary pH and flow rate compared to the study group. Conversely, the study group had higher alkaline phosphatase levels than the control group. This difference was also statistically significant (p<0.05). Moreover, weak and non-significant correlations were found between the periodontal parameters and salivary pH and flow in both groups. The correlation was negative and statistically significant (P<0.05). The salivary pH of the BOP and the control group had a significant negative correlation as well.

Conclusions: Due to its status as a significant exterior origin of Helicobacter pylori, the oral cavity could hold significance in the periodontal health of those affected by Helicobacter pylori disease. In reference to the study group, the PH and flow rate of saliva were less than that of the control group, while alkaline phosphatase displayed higher levels, attaining statistical significance (P<0.05).