When you're noshing on some nachos, buffalo wings, and pizza this Sunday during the big game, the last thing you're probably thinking about is an inflammatory response by your body. It's sure to be a great match-up, we can hope that the commercials are going to be more entertaining, and the half-time show is always a lot of fun. So, why should we distract ourselves from any of this to worry about -- what was it? -- a freakin' inflammatory response?

Quite frankly, I doubt I'm going to allow myself such a distraction, either. But, once the game's over, you've left the party and are now settling in for the night, that's when it's time to address the issue. Wait a second ... how?

Flossing, that's how. Oral bacteria that cause gum disease can enter your bloodstream and trigger a -- yup, you guessed it -- an inflammatory response that affects your entire body. Based on a studies, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute and elsewhere, suggest this may explain the link between gum disease and heart disease, as well as pancreatic cancer. That's why you really should break out the ol' spool of floss and dig out the remnants of your snacks from earlier that evening.

Oh, and by the way, Go Pats!!!