Q. Hi, I’m 28 years old and i have always had bad teeth and oral hygiene in general. The last time i visited a dentist was around 14 years ago. The teeth that didn’t have to be extracted had fillings so my mouth was already in quite a mess. Now it has got to the stage where at least 50% of my teeth have completly rotted away right down to the gum line and below. All i see now when i open my mouth is big black holes in my gums. The remaining teeth, mostly being the front visable ones have very bad cavities and are discusting to look at. Having done research online i am absolutly petrified of related health issues caused by bad oral hygeine. I’m so depressed right now i just dont know what to do, I have no friends, people think i am ignorent because i never smile and dont like to look at people when they speak to me incase they look at my teeth. I am jobless at the moment, i wanna go back to work but too worried about what the interviewer will think when he see’s my teeth. I really want friends and to socialise but im just so embarassed to go anywhere or speak to anyone. I currently recieve social security benefits so spending thousands of pounds to fix my teeth is not an option for me. I just don’t know what to do or where to turn, i just want to be able to smile and laugh without looking at the floor or putting my hand over my mouth. I have a partner of 8 years who keeps telling me to sort it but she just dosn’t understand why i carn’t face going to see a dentist. I carn’t even smile in front of my 3 children because im so scared of them seeing my bad teeth and asking questions about them, even my own kids think im ignorent and misrable. Lastly i am now limited by what i can eat, i find it almost impossible to chew so i can only eat soft foods. I’m quite sure i’m way past the help of a regular dentist because i don’t believe any of my teeth can be saved and its actually my gums that look pretty messed up now. Please help me turn my life around and smile again. Your help and advice is very much appreciated.

A. Hi, thanks for your questions. Firstly I would like to start by assuring you, that there are ways to improve your situation and get you smiling again. As you are not currently working, and are on benefits you will probably be exempt from charges at your local NHS dental practice. In order to register with your local NHS practice, I would encourage you to view the NHS choices website www.nhs.uk , on the left hand side you will see a section entitled ‘Find and choose services’ by inputting your postcode, this should give you a list of your local NHS dental practices. If you are struggling to find an NHS practice who are taking on new patients, you should contact your local PCT (Primary Care Trust) or NHS direct on 08 45 46 47 and ask if there is a waiting list for your area which you can join. I know that this first step of getting an appointment must be daunting for you, but it could signal the start of a whole new and happier stage in your life. I am sure that your partner and your children will support you when they realise how much it pains you and that you are trying to change things. I wish you the best of luck, and encourage you to contact me again if you require any further assistance.
Kind Regards
Dr Kailesh Solanki

Dr Kailesh Solanki
Kissdental
www.kissdental.co.uk
Tel: 0161 748 5250
157 Woodsend Road
Flixton Manchester
M41 8GN
UK Practice of the Year 2007