The mouth-body connection
Bacteria in the mouth can lead to a host of health issues throughout the body. Here’s how Aerni Dental is mitigating bacteria for better patient outcomes.
Bacteria that begin in the mouth can lead to chronic inflammation and are associated with other diseases, such as heart attacks, diabetes, strokes and some cancers. That’s why the Aerni Dental team checks them so thoroughly.
You hear a lot about the power of the mind-body connection, but did you know a growing body of research is pointing to something just as compelling—the mouth-body connection?
Dr. William Aerni, of Aerni Dental in Strongsville, reports that research from leading institutions such as the Cleveland Clinic and the Mayo Clinic highlights a strong tie between oral bacteria and systemic diseases.
“We now know oral bacteria spreads through the bloodstream, propagates elsewhere in the body and can lead to secondary infections, especially after cardiovascular or orthopedic surgeries,” he says. “That’s why more physicians and surgeons are encouraging patients to ensure their mouths are healthy before undergoing procedures. I see the oral cavity as the gateway to your overall health. Bacteria that begin in the mouth can lead to chronic inflammation and is associated with other diseases, such as heart attacks, diabetes, strokes and some cancers.”
He explains there’s been a significant shift in the dental field since he graduated from dental school in 1988.
“Thanks to research and innovation, our focus is on prevention and the powerful role oral health plays in overall wellness,” says Dr. Aerni.
Bacteria and DNA Testing
At the center of his preventive approach is advanced diagnostic technology, including DNA analysis of oral bacteria.
“Rather than relying solely on visual exams and symptoms like bleeding gums, we can identify specific pathogens beneath the gumline and tailor treatment accordingly,” he says. “By taking a saliva sample, we can test for 160 pathogen markers that I receive generated on a report. We treat the bacteria, then I test again several weeks later to make sure they are gone.”
Dr. Aerni is always introducing advanced innovation to the practice, following his core value statement; “If I ever stop learning, it’s time to retire.”
With every preventive visit, hygienists use a new air polishing technique that gently removes biofilm more effectively without scraping teeth. Biofilm is the sticky layer of bacteria responsible for inflammation, bone loss and gum disease.
“Biofilm is made up of living organisms and their byproducts,” Dr. Aerni explains. “If we don’t remove it regularly, it can damage the foundation that supports the teeth. These sophisticated tools are also essential for properly maintaining dental implants, where careful biofilm removal is critical to long-term success.”
He explains the most effective level of preventive care is a team approach, one that begins at home.
“What patients do every day makes all the difference,” he says. “By combining brushing with flossing, they can reach between teeth, where harmful bacteria grow, as well as the surface.”
Whether in office or at home, Dr. Aerni says it’s frustrating that nearly half the population avoids regular dental visits, which usually leads to more complicated and more expensive procedures down the road.
The Approach Works
“My son Christopher is shadowing with me this summer, having just finished his first year of dental school,” says Dr. Aerni. “The other day I had an 80-year-old patient in the chair who turned to him and said that 35 years ago I told him what he would need to do to keep his teeth into his old-and-gray years, and that it worked. He still has a healthy mouth full of teeth. That’s my favorite kind of success story. I don’t want patients to need me outside of preventive check-ups.”
The Aerni Dental team offers the full spectrum of dental care from general preventive dentistry to dental implants, same-day crowns, root canals, orthodontics and cosmetic enhancement.
Aerni Dental
11177 Pearl Road, Strongsville
Dr. William Aerni (right) is pictured here with his son Christopher, who is on his way to also becoming a dentist.
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