Association Between Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Peptic Ulcer in Adults and the Development of Periodontal Changes and Dental Caries: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluated the relationship between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and peptic ulcer, and caries and/or periodontal diseases. METHODS: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. The study was registered on Prospero (CRD42023386741). The search was conducted in 4 databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus), and gray literature, with no restrictions on language or publication date. Risk of bias within studies was assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for case-control studies and cross-sectional studies. Heterogeneity among studies was evaluated. Meta-analyzes were performed. Results were reported in mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). The number of studies, whose data were incorporated into meta-analyzes, was indicated by k. RESULTS: Nineteen studies were eligible. Ten had data entered into 6 different meta-analyzes. Of the 6 meta-analyzes, 1 demonstrated that individuals with GERD exhibited a significantly higher DMFT index than individuals without GERD (MD = 0.79; 95% CI = 0.00, 1.57; k = 5). Two meta-analyzes showed that individuals with GERD exhibited the papillary marginal alveolar index (PMA) (MD = 1.00; 95% CI = 0.60, 1.40; k = 2) and the oral hygiene index (OHI-S) (MD = 1.22; 95% CI = 0.50, 1.93; k = 2) significantly higher than individuals without GERD. Individual's studies also showed a relationship between GERD and caries and periodontal disease. CONCLUSION: Based on literature and meta-analyzes with few studies, evidence suggests that individuals with GERD and peptic ulcers were more likely to have periodontal disease and caries compared to individuals without these conditions.