ABSTRACT
Many studies have reported an association between periodontal infections and some systemic diseases such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Some studies found a direct association between chronic gastritis caused by Helicobacter pylori [HP] infection and poor periodontal health
Methods: In a cross-sectional study from November 2014 to December 2015 in Kerman, the largest province in southeast Iran, patients with dyspepsia who were candidate for diagnostic upper gastrointestinal [GI] endoscopy were included in our study. Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth [DMFT] index and Loe plaque index that are two popular indexes in dental epidemiology were used to assess the oral health by a dentist before the upper GI endoscopy. According to the Loe plaque index, score: 0= no plaque, score: 1= a film of plaque attaching to the free gingival border and near area of the tooth, score: 2= moderate reposition of deposits within the gingival pocket, score :3= plenty of soft matter within the gingival pocket +/- on the tooth and gingival border. Scores
Results: According to Sidney's classification 77 [89.5%] patients had superficial gastritis, 3 [3.5%] had atrophic gastritis, and 6 [7%] had intestinal metaplasia. HP was found in 80.2% of the gastric mucosal biopsy samples. There were not statistically significant relationship between Sidney's classification, presence of HP in gastric mucosal biopsies, and hygiene indicators [p>0.05]. No relation was found between the DMFT index and superficial gastritis, atrophic gastritis, and intestinal metaplasia [p>0.05]. Gastric infection with HP was found in 70%, 75%, and 100% of patients with mild, moderate, and sever DMFT index, respectively
Conclusion: Our study showed that there might be a relation between poor oral hygiene and gastric precancerous lesions. In addition, HP infection in gastric histopathology might be associated with periodontal disease