Can Helicobacter pylori serve as a trigger for oral lichen planus?

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic, inflammatory, T-cell-mediated autoimmune disorder that affects oral mucosa. OLP may be triggered by medications, particular foods, stress, and even pathogens. In this respect, numerous studies have addressed the potential association between OLP and different pathogens such as viruses and bacteria. Regarding the latter, some researchers attempted to link OLP to Helicobacter pylori infection. Indeed, the persistent survival of H. pylori within gastric mucosa provokes dysregulation of immune system and further development of autoimmunity in predisposed individuals. Contradictory results concerning detection rates of H. pylori in OLP patients could be explained by the use of different diagnostic methods (e.g., urea breath test, serology, culture, and polymerase chain reaction) and sampling procedures. Future studies with larger sample sizes using newer diagnostic techniques are warranted. Clinical trials should also investigate whether H. pylori eradication is beneficial in patients with OLP.