Image was before my teeth crumbled and broke off.
Hi everyone. I’m 49 , a mother to two and a grandmother now. All my life I’ve been on inhalers and bronchodilators as well as steroids. Taking the powdered medications and steroids have completely attacked my teeth, and over the last 8 years they have crumbled away, broke off and I’m left with 6 now. My two front ones at top that are about to go, and 4 at the bottom. I’m mortified even saying that. I begged the consultant 2 years ago to refer me to the local dental hospital and he said “ yes no problem” . I was elated. It didn’t last. Two months later I returned for another appointment and a different consultant said “ not a chance, we don’t have funding to refer you to the hospital dentist “. I was left shattered, depressed, didn’t want to socialise. Knowing my kids are embarrassed to be with me in public. My daughter didn’t even offer me to see her end of year display in college for fear of being embarrassed then laughed at. I was mortified. I then tried every dentist in the area -/ full up, taking in no nhs other than children. I tried further afield, same story — full up. I then spoke with my GP, who seen me for a total of 3 minutes, and explained their budgets were stretched, but if I kept trying the dentists. I’m exhausted. I’m angry, I’m upset and pretty much desperate.
I can’t even go to the dental hospital as they will remove the crumbled ones, and the final 6 then chuck me out the door. TOOTHLESS. If my kids are embarrassed now , what feelings would that cause them. In their late 20’s now. I would hardly see them knowing how embarrassed they are. It shouldn’t be the case - I know that, and it hurts so much that they feel like that. I just can’t change how they feel. Society is different. I adored my parents, loved them unconditionally, and I certainly wouldn’t have cared if they had teeth or not.
I’m desperate. A year and a half ago, I went for a consultation with an abroad dentist. He quoted £2.500 . However I’ve since found out, I can go to the dental hospital, just turn up , they will remove all crumbled teeth, and the last 6 rotten ones that are about to go. Then I can go to a private dentist and get false teeth made for my mouth for approx 1,550. Far better - if I had the money. I don’t, I’m getting by on my disability payments from month to month, scraping by.
I’m in Scotland. Born here, raised here, raised my two children, and my grandson is here. Can’t get a gp appointment without phoning countless times, then when you go, you can only talk about one thing, and you just get minutes. Can’t get a dentist appointment, and now can’t get a resell to take my teeth out and make false teeth for me.
Once upon a time, this would be easy. How has it become so difficult for us to get dental treatment.
While I’m terrified that I loose the only two on top. I’ve come on here, and reaching out if anyone taking the time to look at this could possibly spare a little something. It all adds up in the end.
Anyone that wishes photos and confirmation , I’m happy to send privately.
I’ll keep you all updated, teeth removal, then false teeth moulds, fitting ect.
It’s crazy it’s come to this, that given the powdered inhaled, steroids - that are known to affect the teeth badly after long use, and instead of our nhs helping, I’m having to ask the British public.
I don’t have Facebook, or the other ones. My son laughed when I got an I phone, saying I’d never work it. I’ve pulled away from people over appearance and when I do out to do the shopping, I limit my conversation. I don’t know how I can get word out that I’m trying this, so it may not even be seen by enough people. My mum, before she passed, often would say, “ if you don’t ask, you won’t know”. I’ll keep that close to me.
Thank you kindly for taking the time to read this. Any more information needed, I’ll gladly give.