DEAR MISS MANNERS: At an evening event, I was introduced to a very high-profile individual. While I was happy to meet him, it was impossible not to notice when he smiled or talked that he had something stuck between his two front teeth.

Had he been an old friend, I would have immediately and discreetly told him about it. Since this was our first meeting, though, I felt that doing so would be inappropriate, so I said nothing.

Was I wrong? What could or should I have done?

GENTLE READER: Immediately and discreetly told him about it. One does not have to be old friends, Miss Manners assures you, to spare another human needless embarrassment.

And who knows? The resulting gratitude could have made you a new old friend.

Please send your questions to Miss Manners at missmanners.com, by email to [email protected], or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.