Aim: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and periodontitis have considerable worldwide prevalence
once they both present systemic alterations with a possible association between them. Therefore, we have
performed this meta-analysis to assess the possible association between H. pylori infection and periodontitis.
Material and Methods: A systematic search in the literature was performed for studies published before
December 2, 2019 in diverse scientific and educational databases. The data was extracted by two
investigators and the statistical analysis was performed by Review Manager statistical program with
heterogeneity and Odds Ratio (OR) with 95% of Confidence Intervals (CI) calculations as well as a sensitive
analysis to assess the accuracy of the results. The value of P<0.05 was considered as significant. In addition,
we performed the analysis of the quality of included studies as well as the evaluation for risk of bias.
Results: In overall analysis, H. pylori infection was associated with the risk of periodontitis development
(OR = 1.72, CI: 1.47, 2.02, P<0.00001) and the periodontitis was considered as a risk factor for H. pylori
infection (OR = 3.21, CI: 2.31, 4.47, P<0.00001). Moreover, the evaluation of dental plaque from patients
with periodontitis reveled increased risk of H. pylori infection (OR = 3.46, CI: 2.39, 5.01, P<0.00001).
Conclusions: This current systematic review and meta-analysis composed by 12 studies in 7,059
participants showed that H. pylori infection increased significantly the risk of the development of
periodontitis and the periodontitis may be a risk for this bacterial infection.