The preservation of natural teeth depends on the early identification and prevention of Active Periodontal Degeneration (APD)—a progressive breakdown of the tissue that supports the teeth.
Modern diagnostic tools make it possible to detect changes in tissue metabolism at an early, often invisible stage, enabling timely and preventive treatment.
Early detection for lifelong oral health
What is aMMP-8?
Active Matrix Metalloproteinase-8 (aMMP-8) is an enzyme that indicates immune activity within the oral cavity.
When bacterial buildup or other trigger factors occur, aMMP-8 becomes activated and begins to break down collagen, the primary structural protein supporting the teeth.
Elevated levels of aMMP-8 in oral fluids are an early indicator of active collagen breakdown and periodontal degeneration.
Connection between oral and general health
Active periodontal degeneration affects more than just the gums and teeth—it can have significant effects on general health.
When inflammation in the mouth remains untreated, bacteria and immune mediators may enter the bloodstream, influencing the body’s overall inflammatory response and contributing to chronic diseases. Scientific studies have shown strong links between periodontal inflammation and several systemic conditions:
| Associated Condition | Increased Relative Risk |
|---|---|
| Respiratory diseases / Pneumonia | 2–4× |
| Stroke | 2× |
| Cardiovascular disease / Heart attack | 2× |
| Pregnancy-related complications (e.g., preterm birth, fertility issues) | 4–8× |
| Diabetes | 2–4× |
| Osteoporosis | 2–11× |
aMMP-8 screening and interpretation
The PerioSafe® PRO DRS mouth rinse test provides a non-invasive assessment of oral immune activity and tissue breakdown.
The aMMP-8 test offers 250–300% greater sensitivity than traditional early detection methods such as gum-bleeding assessment.
Interpretation of Results
| Level | aMMP-8 Value | Description | Recommended Measures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low Level of aMMP-8 | Below 10 ng/ml | The aMMP-8 level is within the range below 10 ng/ml. Any value below 10 ng/ml indicates a low level of aMMP-8. Studies have shown this to be associated with a very good level of oral hygiene. Further diagnostic evaluation may be necessary, depending on the individual case. | Maintain current oral-hygiene routine. Continue regular check-ups and professional cleanings as advised. |
| Not Elevated Level of aMMP-8 | 10–19 ng/ml | Any value below 20 ng/ml indicates a not elevated level of aMMP-8. Studies have shown this to be associated with a good level of oral hygiene. Further supplementary diagnostic evaluation is advised, and more frequent professional teeth cleanings with proper hygiene care at home are recommended to reduce the aMMP-8 level to the safe range. | Schedule professional cleanings more frequently and maintain consistent home care to stabilize aMMP-8 levels. |
| Elevated Level of aMMP-8 | 20–29 ng/ml | Any value of 20 ng/ml or more indicates an elevated level of aMMP-8. Studies have shown this to be associated with a poor level of oral hygiene. Further supplementary diagnostic evaluation is advised, and more frequent professional teeth cleanings with proper hygiene care at home are recommended to reduce the aMMP-8 level down to the safe range. | Comprehensive diagnostic evaluation and enhanced oral-hygiene measures are advised. Increase cleaning frequency and monitor improvement. |
| Highly Elevated Level of aMMP-8 | 30 ng/ml and above | Any value of 30 ng/ml or above indicates a highly elevated level of aMMP-8. Studies have shown this to be associated with a very poor level of oral hygiene. Further supplementary diagnostic evaluation is advised, and more frequent professional teeth cleanings with proper hygiene care at home are recommended to reduce the aMMP-8 level down to the safe range. A visit to a specialist physician may be recommended, particularly for patients with chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, or heart disease. | Immediate professional evaluation and treatment requi |
Preventive strategies
According to long-term research conducted at the University of Gothenburg (Prof. Axelsson & Prof. Lindhe), consistent preventive care and regular professional cleanings can reduce periodontal tissue loss by more than 95%.
Recommended Oral-Hygiene Practices
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Brush teeth twice daily for at least two minutes
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Use dental floss or interdental brushes once or twice daily
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Clean the tongue surface
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Use oral-health toothpaste and mouthwash
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Maintain a balanced diet and consider vitamin or probiotic supplementation when appropriate
For clinically tested products that support daily oral health and periodontal prevention, please visit this site.
Personalized prevention and monitoring
The frequency of professional dental hygiene sessions should be determined by individual risk factors and the measured aMMP-8 activity level.
Additional therapeutic measures may include:
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Periodontal decontamination (e.g., laser or photodynamic therapy)
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Antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory treatments
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Optimization of home care routines
Regular aMMP-8 testing allows quantitative tracking of periodontal stability and early intervention in case of renewed tissue breakdown.