BEST BODY
SAY CHEESE By Andy Lindstrom
Take steps now to protect your teeth and gums
U
nless you want to end up looking like Lady Gaga at the YouTube Music Awards, posing for the paparazzi with a full string of fake teeth, don’t forget to brush twice daily. Floss at least three or four times a week. And wash out your mouth regularly with an antiseptic such as Listerine. That’s the advice from local dentists who count the importance of gum health on a par with tooth care. “We call it soft tissue rather than gums,” said Dr. Mark McQuary, who prac-
tices general dentistry in Tallahassee. “Like Velcro, these microscopic fibers attach the tooth to the jaw. If they break down for any reason, the tissue can come loose from
22 Your Health Magazine | February 2014
BRUSHING at least twice daily — in the morning after breakfast and at night before going to bed — serves as the first line of defense against gum disease. Brush slowly, with a soft brush and in a circular motion, for at least one minute.