Friday, May 15, 2009

Gums and Lungs

Salt and pepper. Bacon and eggs. Bread and butter. Shoes and socks. Gums and lungs. Gums and lungs! Really?

The stuff that wrecks your mouth does more than cosmetic damage. It sneaks into your blood stream through damaged gums and weak teeth and from there it gets a free ride into every nook and cranny of your wonderfulness. All along the way it deposits crusty dams that narrow the flow of blood. Constricted arteries increase your risk of stroke and heart attack.

Lung tissue is made up of miniscule air sacs that grow in clusters like microscopic hollow grapes, tightly wrapped by blood vessels so small that your blood must squeeze through one molecule at a time. This partnership of air and blood is the very essence of your survival and must be protected from any possible obstruction along the blood-path.

During economic hard times it is sensible to cut expenditures for non-essential products and services. Regular visits to the dentist and disciplined daily home care should not be considered luxuries.

Be well. Breathe and smile beautifully.