Dental health starts with the gums, so pay close attention to yours. Periodontal disease, gingivitis, and gum infections can both loosen your teeth and cause infection to extend to the teeth themselves. They may be replaceable, these days, but it won't come cheap.

Here are a few suggestions everyone can benefit from: floss before brushing your teeth; brush twice a day, at least; have dental checkups twice a year; use the right toothbrush; and stop smoking. All these can help you maintain your dental health so you keep your choppers.

Sodas, coffee, and alcohol all have negative impacts on your dental health, usually in more ways than one. The acid in sodas can eat away enamel, high levels of phosphorous in all these drinks can deplete the body's calcium, and all three can cause bacterial growth and unsightly staining.