Dental Phobic Student Dies After Suffering Severe Tooth Pain
A student with dental phobia died after putting off going to see her dentist, despite suffering from severe tooth pain for three weeks.
Amanda Latigo, a 23 year old student from Hertfordshire, died after developing septicaemia, a coroner confirmed yesterday. Miss Latigo, who was born in Uganda, had suffered from severe tooth pain for three weeks before she died, but her fear of going to the dentist was so deep-seated that she endured the pain and was eventually taken to Watford General Hospital. She died in the ambulance as a result of a heart attack and multiple organ failure.
Coroner Edward Thomas said that Miss Latigo was known to suffer and had repeatedly chosen to try and get through illnesses rather than seeing a doctor. She previously refused to see a doctor despite developing tonsillitis and unfortunately put off seeing a dentist on this occasion despite suffering considerable pain caused by a decaying molar.
Mr Thomas shared his sympathies with Miss Latigo’s mother and said the incident was tragic. He added that many people do not like going to see their dentist but putting off a visit does not usually have such sad implications. Mr Thomas recorded death by natural causes at Hatfield Coroners Court yesterday.
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