Cirrhosis, a condition that is unfortunately becoming more and more frequent, puts the patient at risk of various problems such as oesophageal varices, ascites or hepatic encephalopathy, among others. Associated with cirrhosis are various abnormalities, one of which is a disruption in the composition of the intestinal flora present in the mouth and intestines. As scientists from Virginia Commonwealth University and the Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center have argued, interactions that affect the composition of the gut flora - including the treatment of periodontal disease - can have an impact on the condition of patients with cirrhosis.