Gone are the days when old age meant trading your pearly whites for a set of dentures. Older adults are keeping their teeth longer than their parents and grandparents, and complete tooth loss in seniors between 65 and 74 years of age has decreased by more than 75 percent over the past five decades. The secret to keeping your natural teeth for life is taking care of them, so read on for an easy guide to dental care in your golden years.

The most important element of dental care is also the easiest. Brush and floss your teeth twice a day to prevent plaque buildup, gum disease and tooth decay. Aging muscles and joints can make it difficult to get your teeth clean with a manual brush, so consider upgrading to an electric toothbrush.

Regular dental checkups and cleanings are essential for all ages, but they’re even more important for seniors. Aging teeth need special care to keep them in good shape, and some dentists recommend more frequent cleanings for elderly patients. Schedule a visit between two and four times per year.

Having a tooth pulled used to be a normal occurrence, but now we know that too many extractions can weaken the jaw and lead to additional tooth loss. Although root canals and crowns are more expensive and painful than extractions, they’re worth it to save your teeth. Consider replacing any missing teeth with dental implantsto shore up your jaw and prevent your other teeth from migrating out of place.

The decreasing popularity of cigarettes and chewing tobacco may be one reason seniors are keeping their teeth longer. Tobacco use is associated with gum disease, tooth decay, discolored teeth and oral cancers. If you’re a smoker, quitting is a great way to make a big improvement in your dental health.

Sugar feeds plaque-causing bacteria in your mouth and leads to cavities, so cutting back on the sweet stuff can help keep your pearly whites in good shape. Too much sugar and refined carbs in your diet also increases your risk of diabetes, which can cause gingivitis, tooth decay and fungal infections.

Are you missing most or all of your natural teeth? You don’t get a pass on oral care. It’s important to continue cleaning your mouth daily and visiting your dentist regularly to keep your gums and jaw healthy and to screen for oral cancers.