Stuart’s story

“I’m a recovering alcoholic and I’ve been homeless for about a year. I’m moving into a new place on Thursday, and it feels like my life is slowly getting back on track. Stuart’s story

In the past I traveled all over the world for work and I never stayed in one place for too long, but everything started to fall apart when the alcoholism set in. Living on the on the streets has been a real eye-opener. You don’t realise how difficult it is to get help. Without a permanent address it is impossible to access healthcare.  I’ve seen so many people on the streets suffering with their teeth. It’s so normal for people to pull their own teeth out with pliers when the pain gets unbearable.

For me, it’s my back teeth that are the problem. They’ve deteriorated so much that the edges are cutting into my tongue because they are so sharp. The pain makes it hard to talk and it’s getting to the point where I can barely eat. I’ve always loved cooking and sharing meals with other people but now I can only manage soft foods. It’s been a long time since I’ve smiled properly – I can’t even remember the last time I did.

I came to Dentaid because I was hoping that they could help ease the discomfort. I want to look after and protect the teeth I have left.  The dentist was brilliant. They managed to do some fillings and filed down the sharp edges of my teeth at the back, which will make a huge difference. I’m grateful to Dentaid for helping me. They’re doing amazing work for people who would otherwise have nowhere to turn, and I really appreciate it.”