German Oral Health Foundation
Neurology/Psychiatry
Your opportunity for better emotional and mental health
As the German Oral Health Foundation (DMS), we want to accompany you on your journey to a healthier, fitter life. Personalised prevention with functional biomarkers such as aMMP-8 plays a key role in this. Chronic, silent inflammation – for example in the oral cavity – can increase not only physical but also psychological complaints. Therefore, have your aMMP-8 level in your saliva checked regularly – at your neurological or psychiatric practice or at any certified OralFitness® 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
Inflammation and mental health – how are they connected?
Many people with depression, anxiety disorders or symptoms of exhaustion show elevated inflammation levels in the body. Chronic inflammation in the oral cavity often goes unnoticed, even though it permanently irritates the immune system.
This is where the aMMP-8 test comes in:
When should the test be performed?
- for treatment-resistant depression or chronic fatigue
- for memory, concentration or sleep disorders with no apparent cause
- when taking medication (antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilisers)
- within the framework of integrative or psychosomatic treatment approaches
- for preventive monitoring of oral inflammation activity – ideally every 6 months
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.
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: