| HEALTH Ask the Doctors The experts ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS. By Dorkys Ramos Mp doctor offered the HPV vaccine, but I was too embarrassed to ask her all about it. Help! HPV (sshich is short for human papillomavirus) isa common infection that can occur in the genitals, anal or oral areas through skin-to-skin contact ofthe genitals—and condoms cant always protect you. although the virus usually goes away on its own, persistent strains may lead to cervical cancer. The HPV vaccines Gardasil and Cervarix—administered in three injections over ‘a six-month period before the age of 26—prevent infection from two high-risk strains ofthe virus that cause 70 percent of cervical cancer (and Gardasil also protects against two others that cause 90 percent of genital warts). Research is still being conducted to determine how long the immunity lasts, but initial studies give it at least eight years. 4 My gums <> My mom thinks bleed a little when that body cleansing I brush my teeth. is dangerous. Is Is that a big deal? she right? According othe National Body cleansing, or detoxification, Institute of Dental and claims to rid your body of Craniofacial Research, 80 supposed toxins through percent of adults inthe United variety of methods, including States currently have some form fasting, colon cleansing or ‘of gum disease. “Bleeding gums avoiding specific foods like fats, may indicate mild to severe carbs or even wate. But be <2 I'm considering breast ‘gum disease, which mayhave warned: The tactic isnt implants, but does that mean ‘behavioral causes, ke improper supported by scence, and some Iwon't be able to breastfeed? brushing, orsystemic causes, health professionals advise ~~ like hormonal changes, aspirin against i. “Medical experts ‘There’ a very small chance your implants therapy or diabetes, toname _ state that the human body could affect you, says Onelio Garcia Jr, M.D, _a few,” says Maria Lopez Howell, is naturally capable of diplomat of the American Board of Plastic D.D.S,, consumer adviser maintaining itself with several ‘Surgery and chief ofthe division of plastic for the American Dental organs dedicated to cleansing surgery at South Floridals Palmetto General Associaton. Keep solid routine: ofthe blood and gut.” says Hospital. “Due toa 6 percent incidence of Brush yourteethtwieeaday Claudia M. Gonzalez, R.D. If nipple sensation changes, asmall percentage with asoft-bristled toothbrush youte going for it anyway, ‘of women find breastfeeding painful,” and fluoride toothpaste, and approach it the healthiest way hhe explains. However, there shouldnt beany floss once aday Angling the possible by consulting your interference with producing mill "Breast brush properly will also massage doc before you begin, drinking {implants usually don interfere withthe the gum line and remove plenty of fiuids and keeping it process oflactation in any way.” additional plaque buildup. to couple of days max.