One of my upper permanent teeth (the cuspid) is overlapping two other teeth (the first and second bicuspid). My dentist doesn’t recommend braces because the upper teeth will have to be moved. Food bits tend to get trapped in this space and the gum bleeds often. I floss to remove food debris, but is this gum bleeding something to worry about?
M.T.

Dear M.T.,
Braces are a good option to align crooked teeth. Straight teeth are easier to clean and maintain. If food gets trapped between your teeth, bacterial dental plaque will also accumulate in that area. As the crowding of the teeth makes removal of the bacterial plaque difficult, this has likely caused inflammation, leading to bleeding gums. If left untreated, gum disease will progress and eventually lead to loss of supporting bone, loose teeth and loss of one or more teeth.

Braces often involve the movement of several teeth to achieve the ideal aesthetic and functional outcome. You don’t just get straight teeth with braces; the teeth must also bite well together. Co-ordination between a periodontist (gum specialist) and an orthodontist (teeth alignment specialist) is recommended in your situation.