That's advice you'll hear from the cradle to the grave -- and whether your choppers are natural or artificial.

The maintenance of healthy teeth and gums is important throughout life.

Improper and infrequent brushing or flossing are recipes for trouble.

Tooth decay, gum disease leading to teeth falling out, and even digestive problems are just some of the results of poor dental care.

While many seniors think "it doesn't matter any more,'' the truth is just the opposite: no one is too old to enjoy good dental health or benefit from regular, professional dental care.

And if you haven't seen a dentist for years, you're in for some great surprises: new techniques and equipment make this once-dreaded experience not only a great deal more pleasant but more fruitful. Options to correct dental problems, not previously available to older folks, are now a possibility.

But remember: preventive care costs much less than restorative work. If cost is a problem, discuss it with the dentist. Together, you can probably work out helpful payment options. Or, there may be a special rate for seniors. It doesn't hurt to ask! Seniors should not ignore or dismiss as "a normal part of aging'' any problems they may have in their mouths. Instead, such problems should be brought to the attention of a dentist promptly.

Oral symptoms, particularly among older people, can indicate a wide range of dental and other problems. Some of the most common, and the possible reasons for them, are: Bleeding gums: For those who are new to flossing, a little bleeding is common.

If, however, it persists for longer than three weeks, you may be in the early stages of gum disease.

Sensitive teeth: A sensitive reaction to heat, cold, sweetness and pressure can occur suddenly or gradually and generally indicates an underlying problem.

White or red patches, swelling or sores in the mouth or lips: May stem from nutritional deficiencies, indicate a serious problem, or be completely harmless. It takes a professional to tell. Meanwhile, don't put aspirin-type products on a mouth sore, they irritate tissue.

Dry mouth: A side effect of many common medications. The dryness can aggravate dental problems.

Red, inflamed mouth: May be caused by dentures which don't fit or stay in the mouth overnight; nutritional deficiency, or "burning mouth syndrome,'' which is more common in women.

Loose teeth: Usually indicates advanced gum disease.

Loose, uncomfortable dentures: As the body ages, the mouth changes, so dentures occasionally need to be adjusted or realigned. To delay attention is to risk tissue damage.

The initial response to any of these symptoms is to see your dentist.

But what about those without specific problems? How should they take care of their natural teeth on a daily basis? Begin by establishing a regular routine of: Brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste to remove the plaque that causes gum disease and decay.

Flossing daily to remove plaque and bacteria from places the toothbrush doesn't reach. Brushing after flossing increases flossing's effectiveness.

Artificial teeth are divided into four main categories, each of which is designed to solve a particular problem: Fixed partial denture (or fixed bridge), which is permanently anchored to the adjoining teeth.

Removable partial denture held in place by clasps.

Complete dentures, which replace all natural teeth.

Dental implant, whereby a small metal post is surgically placed in the gum or jawbone and then capped with a crown.

No matter which sort a person has, they require the same diligent care and attention that real teeth do. This includes: Cleaning dentures regularly. Plaque and tartar build up on them just as they do on natural teeth. To ignore these things is to promote cavities and gum disease.

Removing dentures (full and partial) nightly, and soaking them overnight in a half-and-half solution of lukewarm water and white vinegar or denture cleanser. This loosens plaque so that it is more easily removed. For dentures with metal clasps, use water only. Leaving dentures out overnight also allows the gums to breathe.

And don't forget to clean the gums.

Although implants bond with gum tissue and bone, they are still more delicate than natural teeth, so daily brushing and flossing must be done carefully. Pay attention to the post and work the floss gently under the gum line.

And of course, see your dentist regularly because the mouth is constantly changing and dentures need adjusting from time to time to ensure the best fit.

Nutrition also plays a significant part in healthy teeth and gums, and seniors are known to be the single largest group at risk of malnutrition for a variety of reasons: the body's diminishing ability to absorb nutrients efficiently; a loss of appetite through taking a number of prescription drugs; and such things as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and depression, all of which can affect a person's interest in eating.

WELL DONE! -- Senior citizen Mrs. Pearline Richardson is all smiles after inspection by Department of Health dentist Dr. Helen Christopher (left) and Ms. Cheral Stovell.