Helicobacter pylori in dental plaque.

Human and animal stomachs were considered the only reservoirs of Helicobacter pylori until it was identified in human dental plaque (DP). H. pylori is infrequent in populations from developed countries, but is widespread in those from developing countries. The failure of triple drug therapy to clear H. pylori from DP, despite its clearance from gastric mucosa, raised the possibility of DP as a permanent reservoir of H. pylori and a potential source of reinfection of gastric mucosa. Attempts should be made to eradicate H. pylori both from the gastric mucosa and from DP to ensure a permanent cure of duodenal ulcer. Unfortunately, all attempts to eradicate H. pylori from DP have failed.