Background: Periodontitis (Periodontal Disease) is a widespread chronic inflammatory condition that progressively destroys the supporting structures of the teeth. Beyond causing local tissue breakdown, the persistent inflammatory response and microbial invasion characteristic of the disease can influence systemic physiology. Atrial fibrillation (AF), which is a common cardiac disease worldwide, is also strongly shaped by inflammatory and oxidative processes that alter atrial structure and electrical function. These parallels have prompted growing interest in whether chronic periodontal conditions connect to AF risk. This review synthesizes current evidence on the link between periodontitis and AF, also explores the biological structures that may link the two conditions, evaluates areas of agreement and disagreement across studies, and identifies research gaps requiring further investigation.
Methods: A narrative review methodology was used. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched up to January 2025 using terms related to periodontal disease, atrial fibrillation, inflammatory pathways, endothelial dysfunction, and oral microbiota. Observational, interventional, mechanistic, and review studies addressing the periodontitis–AF relationship were included, while articles lacking clear diagnostic criteria or relevance were excluded.
Results: Large observational datasets generally show that individuals with moderate to severe periodontitis exhibit a higher likelihood of developing AF. Experimental studies support plausible mechanistic links, showing that periodontal pathogens and inflammatory mediators can disrupt endothelial integrity, intensify oxidative stress, and promote atrial fibrosis—all processes central to AF development. Treatment of Periodontal disease has been shown to reduce systemic inflammatory markers and improve vascular parameters; however, direct evidence showing reduced AF incidence or recurrence following periodontal therapy remains sparse.
Conclusion: Current evidence points toward a meaningful connection between chronic periodontal inflammation and AF vulnerability, although the available data do not yet confirm a causal relationship. More rigorous longitudinal and interventional research is required to determine whether improving periodontal health can play a protective influence on the prevention or management of AF...
Keywords: Atrial Fibrillation, Cardiovascular Diseases, Inflammation, Periodontal Diseases, Periodontitis.
How to cite this article: Kurup PR, R S, Exploring the Relationship Between Periodontitis and Atrial Fibrillation: A Comprehensive Narrative Review. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(2s): 240-245; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.240-245