Emma’s story
My teeth are very black and I don’t smile, always sit with my hands over my face and avoid going out because of it.
It first started when I had anorexia, I thought my teeth aren’t good because of this so what’s the point in cleaning them? And I just lost the motivation from there, so it’s been years like that.
I’ve had bad debt issues and I would never go to see someone face to face, if I couldn’t do something over the phone than it wouldn’t get sorted out. I’ve been accused of being a drug user because of my teeth when I’ve never used drugs.
The last time I saw a dentist was last year because there was a broken tooth that I needed pulling out, but that was an emergency dentist. Before that it was around 20 years ago. I have tried to find a dentist but there’s none available in Winchester.
Sometimes I get pain in my back molars but it’s more about affecting my confidence and mental health, I have problems with those and my teeth are just one factor. I’ve tried lots of different things to help with them but none seem to work.
The dentist I saw today has been really good, he’s checked my gums to look at the tooth decay and he’s cleaned all my teeth for me.
When I go back next month he’s said he’ll make me some fillings to cover up these black holes, I’ll need another two sessions with him to fill in the gaps.
I broke down in tears because it finally feels like I’m getting somewhere, it’s just a big weight off my shoulders.
It’s going to do me the world of good, you’ll see me walking around and I won’t be able to stop smiling.