Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background
Halitosis, a common clinical condition, is frequently associated with
Helicobacter pylori
infection. Numerous studies have highlighted a significant reduction in halitosis following successful
H. pylori
eradication.
Aim
This meta‐analysis aimed to investigate the association between
H. pylori
infection and halitosis, as well as the effect of
H. pylori
eradication on halitosis resolution.
Methods
We searched major databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and the Science Citation Index, up to March 2025. Literature screening and data extraction were conducted according to strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. Study quality was assessed using appropriate tools according to study design. Heterogeneity and risk of bias were analyzed using Stata 12.0. Subgroup analyses were performed to examine the relationship between
H. pylori
infection and halitosis, including infection prevalence, symptom incidence, and treatment outcomes.
Results
Of the 154 articles screened, 24 met the inclusion criteria, involving 5872 patients. The analysis revealed a significantly higher
H. pylori
infection rate in the halitosis group compared with the non‐halitosis group (OR = 3.42; 95% CI: 1.13–10.33). The prevalence of halitosis was higher in
H. pylori
‐positive individuals than in
H. pylori
‐negative individuals (OR = 1.91; 95% CI: 1.28–2.86). The prevalence of halitosis was lower in the successful eradication group compared with the unsuccessful eradication group (OR = 0.17; 95% CI: 0.04–0.73). Moreover, pre‐eradication halitosis rates were higher than post‐eradication rates (OR = 4.39; 95% CI: 1.99–9.68).
Conclusion
The findings suggest a significant observational association between
H. pylori
infection and halitosis, and eradication therapy may be associated with alleviation of halitosis.