German Oral Health Foundation
Rheumatology
Your opportunity for better control of rheumatic diseases
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. Many people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or other inflammatory rheumatic diseases are unaware that inflammation in the oral cavity can also influence the course of their disease. A simple saliva test for the biomarker aMMP-8 can help to detect silent inflammation at an early stage and thus better control rheumatic disease.
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
Why is the aMMP-8 test important for rheumatism patients?
When is the aMMP-8 test indicated?
- When RA is diagnosed for the first time: To rule out hidden sources of inflammation in the body.
- Before starting biologic therapy: To better control inflammation in the body.
- Before or during a change in immunosuppressive therapy: To detect interactions with oral inflammation.
- In cases of unclear or lack of therapeutic success: To find a possible source of inflammation in the mouth as the cause.
- In cases of unclear disease activity or non-specific symptoms: To identify oral trigger factors.
- In cases of persistently elevated CRP or ESR without any apparent cause: suspicion of ‘silent inflammation’ in the periodontium.
- As part of check-ups for chronic inflammatory diseases: for holistic care and a better long-term prognosis.
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: