Overbite has serious health risks

AS a self-conscious adolescent, the idea of having braces horrified Caroline Bishop. The thought of the pain and the ugly metal “train tracks” made her cringe.

So, against dentists’ advice, she chose to live with her wonky teeth and overbite.

But, as we age, our gums can weaken and teeth move. So, over the years, Caroline’s overbite became far more pronounced. That’s why, two years ago, at the age of 55, Caroline decided to take her oral health seriously and spoke to her dentist about a brace.

“I couldn’t put it off any longer,” says Caroline, a mother of two. “I was told my teeth could cause health issues in the future, too.”

Overlapping teeth are more difficult to clean, especially as dexterity and eyesight diminish with age, so plaque and bacteria can build up in hard-to-reach crevices of the mouth, potentially leading to gum disease. This has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and lung infections.

Even the pressure exerted by one tooth pushing against another at the wrong angle for years can cause a tooth to crack or fall out.

“If you have overlapping teeth, cleaning or flossing can be difficult and becomes even more so as you age,” says Dr Richard George, of the British Orthodontic Society.

“So plaque builds up and the gums become inflamed and this can increase vulnerability to gum disease and potential tooth loss.

“For some people, it may be that having braces finally gives them the chance to clean their teeth properly.”

Caroline’s issue was a “deep” bite – where the upper front teeth almost completely overlap the lower. This can cause the teeth to wear down quickly