One of the best things you can do for your overall health as you age is a daily routine you’ve followed since childhood.

“Maintaining good dental health not only protects against gum disease but also helps ward off many other age-related diseases,” says Dr. Leonard Brennan, co-director of the Harvard School of Dental Medicine’s Geriatric Fellowship Program. “Good oral health helps you enjoy life by allowing you to chew, taste, swallow, speak, and smile. The chances are in your favor that you can keep your teeth for a lifetime if you maintain your oral health.”