Friends don't let friends have spinach smile

I get all kinds of quirky e-mails -- the winter newsletter for North Shore Fishing Adventures, a letter from a man who says he can channel Elvis' spirit through a Styrofoam cup and a press release from the American Bird Conservancy announcing the availability of Cerulean Warbler Conservation Coffee.

I took a double take when I got the e-mail from Crest Glide that 77 percent of Americans don't tell other people that they have something in their teeth. It was an advertisement for Glide Deep Clean To-Go floss.

That's disturbing. I eat a lot of spinach, apparently a food prone to take the long way to my stomach through the cracks in my teeth. I want someone to tell me if I have a big wad of it hanging around for later.

I have a few friends, who thank goodness, don't feel awkward telling me. There's always a brief moment of embarrassment, especially if we are in a big group, but I am relieved after the green gunk has been removed. I don't know about you, but I choose a brief moment of awkwardness over a night of blabbing with my mouth looking the Grinch -- termites in my smile.

So next time you are out to dinner, be kind and whisper to your bud that there is something in their teeth. Everyone involved will thank you.