German Oral Health Foundation
Cardiology
Your chance for a strong heart and healthy blood vessels
At the German Oral Health Foundation (DMS), we want to accompany you on your journey to a healthier, fitter life and help you protect your cardiovascular system in the long term. Personalised prevention with functional biomarkers such as aMMP-8 plays a key role in this. This is because inflammation in the oral cavity can affect the entire body, including the heart. So have your aMMP-8 level tested now – at your specialist practice or at any OralFitness® dental centre.
The aMMP-8 saliva screening
The aMMP-8 saliva screening measures the destruction of the extracellular matrix¹ and collagenolysis² in real time. Collagen is the most common structural protein in the human body. It strengthens the oral immune barrier by giving the oral mucosa structure and stability, thus making it more difficult for pathogens to penetrate. Damage to the oral mucosa allows inflammation and pathogens to enter the bloodstream, promoting systemic diseases. This is why prevention is so effective.
¹ Network of proteins and sugar molecules between cells that gives tissue support, structure and stability.
² Breakdown of collagen fibres
³ This content is taken from Consensus Paper 25/2026 of the Health Senate of the DMS
How does the aMMP-8 test benefit me as a heart patient?
When should the test be performed?
- in cases of increased cardiovascular risk, to detect silent inflammation in the mouth
- in cases of diabetes or high blood pressure, to control inflammatory co-factors
- before and after heart surgery or implantations for endocarditis prevention
- in cases of unclear heart problems (e.g. recurrent angina pectoris)
- as part of cardiological check-ups as part of holistic preventive care
- in cases of persistently elevated inflammation markers (CRP, IL-6) to search for oral causes
How does the test work?
The aMMP-8 test is quick, painless and does not require a blood sample. It is simply a saliva test – convenient and simple, carried out at the specialist's surgery. If the results are abnormal, a referral to a dentist is recommended. The test opens up new perspectives for interdisciplinary, personalised inflammatory medicine.
What happens with certain test results?
Test result: Elevated value
Recommendation: Visit the dentist for a check-up and professional teeth cleaning. If successful, this will simplify diabetes management and help delay or even prevent the development of long-term complications.
Our recommendation for you
Talk to your dentist or specialist. We are happy to provide your dental practice with an aMMP-8 test free of charge*. If you are interested, please register here, tell us the name of your dental practice, and we will send the test directly to your dentist:
Visit one of our certified practices, which you can find in our practice finder: