© Magnific
June 15, 2026
Christine Bürg and Marianne Waldenfels
Many complaints have their root cause somewhere other than where the symptoms appear. Dr. Christoph Wenninger explains the role that jaw joints, inflammation, and modern preventive care play in overall health.
An interview with
Dr. Christoph Wenninger
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Many diseases develop gradually and often go unnoticed for extended periods. The oral cavity frequently provides early warning signs that something has become unbalanced in the body. At the same time, inflammation, functional disorders, or misalignment of the jaw can trigger symptoms that initially appear unrelated to the teeth.
Dr. Christoph Wenninger therefore takes a holistic approach that integrates dentistry with other medical specialties. In this interview, he explores the connections between oral health and overall health, discusses modern diagnostic methods, and examines the opportunities that consistent prevention offers.
Dr. Wenninger, many people suffer from headaches, neck pain, or back pain without knowing the cause. At what point should dental problems be considered?
This is actually quite common. Many patients come to us after seeing ENT doctors, orthopedists, or other specialists who couldn't find an explanation for their symptoms. With headaches, neck pain, or back pain, and also with tinnitus or dizziness, it's worth examining the jaw area. Many conditions can originate in the jaw joint.
What role does teeth grinding play in this?
It's actually quite significant. Many people don't realize how many problems grinding and clenching can cause. I had a patient who experienced dizziness for months and saw numerous doctors. Working with an osteopath, we were able to determine that the complaints were primarily caused by nighttime grinding and clenching. From there, we could provide targeted treatment.
So you work closely with other specialties?
Absolutely. This is particularly important when it comes to craniomandibular dysfunction, or CMD. CMD isn't a single disease but rather a cluster of symptoms with widely varying underlying causes that often extend beyond the oral and jaw area. That's why we work closely with osteopaths, physiotherapists, orthopedists, and other specialists.
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Christine Bürg and Marianne Waldenfels
Can oral health indicators reveal other underlying diseases?
There are certainly observable indicators. Swollen or bleeding gums can be early signs of inflammatory processes. Today we understand that inflammation in the oral cavity can have significant effects throughout the body. That's why we examine carefully whether we're dealing with localized inflammation or whether systemic connections have already developed.
Why is periodontitis considered so dangerous?
Periodontitis is a bacterial inflammation of the structures that support the teeth. Many people don't realize that the gums don't form a completely sealed barrier. In essence, advanced periodontitis creates a chronic open wound that allows bacteria and inflammatory substances to enter the body.
What are the consequences of this?
Research increasingly shows that periodontitis can influence or worsen numerous diseases, including arteriosclerosis, certain forms of dementia, and possibly various cancers. For this reason, gum bleeding should never be dismissed as harmless.
Diagnostics has undergone significant changes in recent years. What options are available today?
Digitalization has brought tremendous advances. Today, we can digitally capture and analyze vast amounts of data, including movement analyses of the jaw joint, digital bite analyses, and three-dimensional imaging. This enables us to obtain a highly precise picture of each patient's individual situation and to explain the clinical connections clearly.
CMD can cause a range of symptoms. What are the most common causes?
Stress is a central factor. Nighttime grinding and clenching, typically unconscious, place enormous strain on the tooth-supporting structures and the muscles of the head, neck, and back. However, the causes can also extend beyond dentistry. Orthopedic misalignments and other physical issues can also contribute to CMD.
Why is collaboration between different specialties so important in this?
Because the cause doesn't always lie where the symptoms appear. A patient may experience pain in the jaw, even though the actual source is elsewhere—for example, in the musculoskeletal system. This is why interdisciplinary collaboration is essential to our diagnostic and treatment approach.
There is ongoing debate about root-treated teeth and whether they can be harmful to the body.
Root-treated teeth can generally remain in the body without problems. However, problems can arise when complex tooth anatomy prevents the complete removal of bacteria. In such cases, bacterial metabolic products and inflammation can develop, which place a burden on the body. Thanks to modern diagnostics, we can now assess very precisely whether a root-treated tooth is problem-free or might potentially cause issues.
What about amalgam fillings?
Here too, it's important to distinguish between cases. Some people tolerate amalgam without any problems, while others have more sensitive reactions. That's why we evaluate each case individually. Making a blanket statement that amalgam is fundamentally harmful would not be scientifically sound.
Another area of your practice is sleep apnea. What role do the jaw and teeth play in this condition?
A very important one. During sleep, many patients experience their lower jaw falling backward, which narrows the airways. This reduces oxygen supply and can lead to serious long-term health consequences.
How can you help here?
With modern diagnostic tools, we can precisely assess airway anatomy. In many cases, specially designed lower jaw protrusion splints are helpful—they gently shift the lower jaw forward at night, keeping the airways open. Often, this approach produces significant improvement.
Your concept strongly emphasizes prevention. What does that mean concretely?
For me, prevention starts with listening. When a new patient comes in, they don't sit in the treatment chair initially—they sit in my office. We have a detailed conversation about their concerns, medical history, and what they hope to achieve. These conversations often reveal important clues about underlying causes and connections.
What matters most to you about this?
Trust is fundamental. When patients feel comfortable sharing their story, it creates the foundation for truly individualized treatment. From this foundation emerges an approach that goes beyond symptom management to support long-term health.
