Ms Nakano believed that good gum care could therefore help atrial fibrillation management in the same way that improving other risk factors such as weight, activity levels, tobacco and alcohol use does.
However, she added: “Further evidence is required for establishing that periodontitis contributes to the atrial fibrosis in a causal manner and that periodontal care can alter fibrosis.
“One of our goals is to confirm that periodontitis is a modifiable risk factor for atrial fibrillation and to promote dental specialists’ participation in comprehensive atrial fibrillation management.
“Periodontitis is an easy modifiable target with lower cost among known atrial fibrillation risk factors.