Effects on the organism

The activation of MMP-8 clears a path for the immune defense and, at the same time, in the opposite direction, it may provide an open gate for the bacteria of the (subgingival) dental biofilm to enter the bloodstream. This can lead to, for example, lasting subclinical bacteremia (a clinically hard-to-detect, intermittent or lasting presence of bacteria in the blood).

This permanent, daily stress on the bloodstream caused by the interference of oral bacteria may become be problematic during pregnancy, for example. Periodontitis is the single greatest risk factor in premature birth. ,Especially for patients with diabetes, cardio-vascular disease or rheumatism, it can lead to a dramatic increase in disease related risks that range from a troublesome course of disease to an unnecessary risk of premature death. Scientists have found evidence of periodontitis bacteria in, among others, the blood of cardiac risk patients, in heart valve tissue, on hip joints and on breast implants.