Recently found a picture of my last toothy smile; I was seven years old, looking back from that point on I have been embarrassed and ashamed. I have not smiled like that since, I was bullied for because my front teeth were yellow. They have always been yellow even in my younger years a medication caused the damage. My family couldn’t afford to have them corrected, so I was left with my two front teeth permanently stained yellow.

         Lack of dental care during childhood made the condition worse and as an adult for most of my life I have been without dental insurance. The stains have worsened and I my dental health has gone completely down hill from there. Over the years I have been without dental insurance, I neglected myself due to mental health issues. There were days I couldn’t get out of bed let alone brush my teeth. My teeth are the representation of some of the battles I have overcome in my mind. My teeth are severely damaged due to lack of care, finances, and dental insurance.  A depression that secluded me for 10 years caused horrific effects on the condition of my teeth. During that time I neglected myself I rarely saw a dentist except for extractions, leaving me with less than half of the 32 we are supposed to have. However I haven’t been able to afford dental care.  Currently I am on a fixed income and I can’t afford dental care. Over the years my teeth have deteriorated, broken off or are permanently stained yellow. I take full responsibility for how poor my dental hygiene affected the condition of my teeth and the way they look.

     I fell into a deep depression that secluded me for 10 years caused horrific effects on the condition of my teeth. During that time I neglected myself I rarely saw a dentist except for extractions, leaving me with less than half of the 32 we are supposed to have. However I haven’t been able to afford dental care.  Currently I am on a fixed income and I can’t afford dental care. Over the years my teeth have deteriorated, broken off or are permanently stained yellow. I take full responsibility for how poor my dental hygienie affected the condition of my teeth and the way they look.

          My teeth have deteriorated, broken off or are permanently stained yellow; I have started having issues chewing due to missing teeth. I take full responsibility for how poor my dental hygiene caused the condition of my teeth and the way they look. Circumstances in my life have been rough, I have overcome a deep depression but I still feel limited due to the condition of my teeth. I smile but I want to be able to give a full smile showing all my teeth. I am finally happy now.

     I would like to share my experiences and give people hope that there is a better tomorrow. However, we live in a society where you are judged by appearance. It’s hard to get people to listen to you when they have preconceived notions about who you are. The first thing people see when they talk to you is your mouth, so if your teeth are damaged people don’t listen to you. Of course, you are on drugs, dirty or of lesser intelligence so they think less of you. It doesn’t matter how smart, pretty or what you have to offer, your teeth say everything about you. If you have bad teeth your credibility is ruined.

      In 2020, during COVID wearing a mask gave me a confidence that felt amazing. I have never felt so excited to share my opinion without the fear of judgement. For once I was on a level playing field and what I thought mattered. My self-esteem soared and for once I didn’t feel self-conscious about how my mouth appeared to people. I still wear a mask I can’t go through the looks and stares. They have gotten worse since, 2020, I promised myself that, 2025 I would make necessary steps to help make my future brighter with a better smile.   I smile but I want to be able to give a full smile showing all my teeth. I am finally happy now. I would like to share my experiences and give people hope that there is a better tomorrow. However, we live in a society where you are judged by appearance. It’s hard to get people to listen to you when they have preconceived notions about who you are.

      The first thing people see when they talk to you is your mouth, so if your teeth are damaged people don’t listen to you. Of course, you are on drugs, dirty or of lesser intelligence so they think less of you due to the condition of your mouth. It doesn’t matter how smart, pretty or what you have to offer, your teeth say everything about you. If you have bad teeth your credibility and all the value you bring is ruined. It’s just like having a golden ticket when you have good teeth, dental care and a pretty smile, you have a leg up.

     They have gotten worse since, 2020; I promised myself that, 2025 I would make necessary steps to help make my future brighter with a better smile. I have spent a year or so debating on whether to start the go fund me. I decided to because dental health has an impact on people suffering from mental illnesses. Dental care is just as important as all healthcare. My story is so much more but I hope this is enough and I appreciate your generosity.