Toothpaste can "fight Helicobacter pylori"? Don't be fooled!

[This issue's rumors]:

"Medical-grade toothpaste with the "Xiao Zi Hao" mark", "Anti-Helicobacter pylori and deodorant, suitable for pregnant women"... Currently, some toothpastes claiming to have the effects of "anti-Helicobacter pylori" and "removing bad breath by fighting Helicobacter pylori" are hot sellers on various e-commerce platforms. So, can toothpaste really "fight Helicobacter pylori"?

【NetEase Health Assessment】：

Unscientific!

【Rumor Identification Points】:

1. Toothpaste cannot claim to have medical effects

Toothpaste is not a disinfection product, not a medical device, and even less a medicine. The so-called medical grade is a marketing tool!

The National Medical Products Administration once pointed out in a statement on its official website that according to the "Regulations on the Supervision and Administration of Cosmetics" which came into effect on January 1, 2021, toothpaste is managed in accordance with the regulations for ordinary cosmetics. This means that the license application for toothpaste must be a "cosmetics license" rather than a "medical license" or "disinfection license."

After toothpaste has been evaluated for efficacy in accordance with national and industry standards, it can claim to have the efficacy of preventing caries, inhibiting dental plaque, resisting dentin sensitivity, alleviating gum problems, etc. However, toothpaste cannot explicitly or implicitly claim to have medical effects, and cannot make false or misleading efficacy claims.

2. Helicobacter pylori resides in the stomach, and toothpaste has no scientific basis for preventing Helicobacter pylori

Helicobacter pylori mainly exists in the human stomach. There is no evidence that brushing teeth with toothpaste can have an impact on Helicobacter pylori present in the stomach.

In addition, the oral cavity is a complex environment where a variety of bacteria and other microorganisms coexist. Studies have shown that Helicobacter pylori that may exist in the oral cavity is mainly concentrated in saliva and plaque. The correlation between Helicobacter pylori in the oral cavity and digestive system diseases such as periodontal disease, bad breath, and gastric cancer lacks evidence-based medical support.

Products such as toothpaste that claim to have "anti-Helicobacter pylori" effects may contain broad-spectrum antibacterial agents. If broad-spectrum antibacterial agents are used in large quantities and for a long time, they may lead to oral flora disorders, which is not conducive to oral health.

3. If the Helicobacter pylori test is positive, there is no need to panic. Whether the bacteria need to be eradicated should be determined by the doctor.

Even if patients are confirmed to be infected with Helicobacter pylori, they do not need to be overly nervous. Helicobacter pylori can be cured with medicine, and most people can achieve eradication of the bacteria through oral medication within two weeks.

Data shows that about half of the people in my country will be infected with this bacteria, but the individual manifestations after infection vary greatly. Some people have no obvious symptoms, while others have digestive tract symptoms such as abdominal distension, abdominal pain, belching, and acid reflux. Further diagnosis can be made through carbon 14 breath tests or gastroscopy.

In addition, Helicobacter pylori does not necessarily need to be eradicated. It is recommended that patients discuss their own indications with their doctors before making a decision.

In short, toothpaste is not a medicine and cannot replace medicine to treat diseases. If you are unfortunately infected with Helicobacter pylori, go to the hospital for regular treatment and do not pin your hopes on some methods without scientific basis.

[Reference source for identification]: Xinhua News Agency, Economic Information Daily