In June 2023, the National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention (ICDC)under the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention and other institutes released a white paper titled "Prevention and Control of Helicobacter pylori Infection in China," indicating that the infection rate in the country is nearly 50%.

According to Dr. Wang Qiang, Associate Chief Physician of Department of Gastroenterology at Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH), explains that Helicobacter pylori is internationally recognized as a pathogen associated with gastric cancer and atrophic gastritis. "After being infected with Helicobacter pylori, the risk of developing stomach cancer increases three to tenfold."

He said that not all patients infected with Helicobacter pylori show symptoms, but it is important to be vigilant if the following conditions are present:

· Bad breath: After Helicobacter pylori infection, it may stimulate excessive stomach acid secretion, leading to disruptions in the functioning of the stomach and esophagus, resulting in gastroesophageal reflux and potential oral odor.

· Abdominal bloating and pain: The resulting damage to the gastric mucosa and disturbances in gastric function can cause corresponding symptoms, with severe cases even experiencing nausea and vomiting.

· Non-specific gastrointestinal discomfort: Such symptoms may include belching, early satiety, and other indications of indigestion.

What rumors surround Helicobacter pylori?

· Rumor 1: Brushing teeth can easily eliminate Helicobacter pylori

The doctor stated that simply brushing teeth is not effective in eradicating Helicobacter pylori. While a small portion of the bacteria may reside in the oral cavity, the majority of it is found in the stomach, and no toothpaste can eliminate the bacteria in the stomach through brushing alone.

· Rumor 2: Infection with Helicobacter pylori is equivalent to developing stomach cancer

He explained that among patients infected with Helicobacter pylori, the proportion of those experiencing digestive discomfort or peptic ulcers is approximately 10% to 15%. The likelihood of the infection leading to stomach cancer is only about 1%. The occurrence of stomach cancer is the result of multiple factors, and Helicobacter pylori infection is only one risk factor.

· Rumor 3: Adults can transmit Helicobacter pylori to children by kissing their mouths

The doctor clarified that some adults who take care of children may chew food before feeding them, fearing that the children may have difficulty digesting solid food. Since a portion of Helicobacter pylori may abide in the oral cavity, adults infected with the bacteria can potentially transmit it to children through this manner.

Additionally, the doctor does not recommend routine screening for Helicobacter pylori in children under 14 years old. "The likelihood of children contracting Helicobacter pylori is lower compared to adults, and the symptoms of infection are relatively milder. Children infected with Helicobacter pylori tend to self-heal during their growth process. Furthermore, even if a child undergoes eradication of Helicobacter pylori, without proper dietary precautions, they may become reinfected."

· Rumor 4: Helicobacter pylori can be tested at home

The doctor stated that there are many Helicobacter pylori test kits available for sale online, but their accuracy is relatively low. Testing at home using saliva or dental plaque samples does not provide a reliable reflection of the true situation. It is recommended to visit a hospital for testing.

How to prevent Helicobacter pylori infection? The doctor suggested the following preventive measures in daily life:

· Practice separate meal servings and use communal chopsticks and spoons;

· Wash hands with soap or hand sanitizer before eating and after using the restroom;

· Maintain oral hygiene and regularly replace your toothbrush;

· Regularly disinfect utensils with high temperatures;

Avoid drinking untreated water and consuming raw food. This is because Helicobacter pylori can survive for 4 to 10 days in tap water and over 3 years in