If you're trying to avoid the health issues that accompany aging, you should start with your mouth. Healthy teeth and gums can help reduce the chances of developing gum disease. In fact, keeping your gums healthy can help prevent serious medical issues. Studies have found that gum disease can actually cause heart disease. A clean, healthy mouth can also prevent premature tooth loss that's associated with gum disease.

You might not realize this, but the bacteria that builds up in your mouth can actually find its way into the rest of your body, including your heart and blood stream. You can keep your teeth and gums healthy by brushing your teeth at least twice a day and adding these natural methods to your daily oral hygiene routine.

Stop Dry Mouth

Dry mouth can increase the risk of cavities and tooth decay. Saliva is used to remove food and bacteria from your mouth. When you don't create enough saliva, your mouth dries out.  There are a couple of ways that you can boost the amount of saliva that your mouth creates on a daily basis.

Swish with Lemon Water

This is a quick way to relieve a dry mouth and increase the production of saliva. Fill a glass with water and add about 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Sip on the water throughout the day to keep your mouth moist.

Eat Foods High in Water Content

Eating foods high in water is another way to treat dry mouth. The best foods to eat on a daily basis include pears and cucumbers. Try adding these to your diet to prevent dry mouth and increase the amount of saliva that you mouth produces.

Clean Your Entire Mouth

Even if you brush and floss your teeth several times a day, there are still little nooks and crannies that might be overlooked. Those small spaces could be harboring germs and bacteria that may harm your teeth. Use a splash of vinegar to give your mouth a thorough cleansing once a day. Add 1 tablespoon of vinegar to 4 ounces of water. Swish a mouthful of the vinegar solution around in your mouth for about 30 seconds and then spit it out. Repeat the process until the vinegar solution is gone.

As you age, your mouth becomes susceptible to various dental problems, including gum disease. You can help prevent gum disease by keeping your teeth and gums clean. These simple methods will help you keep your entire mouth clean. A healthy mouth can help you avoid health issues such as heart disease and high blood pressure. For more information, speak with professionals like South Shore Prosthodontics.