I had tooth decay

For some like Eileen, 57 years old from Sheffield, and Carol, 71 from Watford, their problems began as children and for years they went through numerous fillings or extractions. Eileen is the first to share her experience:

‘My problems began as a child; unfortunately my teeth always required fillings. Back in the early seventies I was advised, because of all the pain and problems I was having, that it would be best to have all of them extracted. At first I was angry, as it felt like all the work I’d had done had been for no purpose, on the other hand I was relieved, knowing that once they were gone, at least I’d have no more pain. At this point I worried about all sorts of things; would I be able to sleep in them? Would people think it was my fault because I hadn’t looked after my own teeth in the first place? My husband was very supportive but I wish there had been more help and advice readily available and I certainly wish I’d been able to get more help to perhaps of kept my own teeth for longer.’

Carol had a similar experience,

‘I’d had problems with my teeth all my life, even as a child and finally after any number of extractions it was time to move to dentures. I did think about other options but to be honest, the cost was too high. I was terrified at the prospect, which was probably all about vanity but who wouldn’t be? I worried that people would notice, that it would change my smile (something I’ve always liked about myself) but in spite of all that, the dentures I have now, coupled with the adhesive I was advised by a friend to use, are actually comfortable and cosmetically pleasing.’

Some people are shocked, especially if they are young, when they are told that they will need dentures. Jane, 48 from Watford, was only in her 30’s when her dentist gave her the news.

‘I was only in my thirties when my dentist gave me the news. The damage to my teeth was extensive and that was that. To be honest I was so shocked and embarrassed that even if I could have talked to anyone else, I wouldn’t and didn’t. This was something that happened to old people, not to people like me at my age. I kept the whole thing very much to myself, I did see some ads on the TV for Poligrip but that was about as far as my ‘advice seeking’ went.’

Others, like Maurice, 76 from London, had options and took some time to make the decision to go ahead and get dentures.

‘To be fair, my dentist worked hard to keep my teeth but eventually she advised that the time had come to consider dentures. And I did consider it, for quite some time before finally agreeing to it. I talked to friends, relatives and naturally I was a little angry and sad but realised that at least I’d be free from any more problems and constant visits to the dentist. I was worried about eating, about how comfortable they’d be, about the fact that ‘dentures were for old people’ and that realisation alone was less than pleasant. As it turns out, I’ve got quite used to them; actually I eat better now than I did before. Like a lot of things, it’s not as bad as I thought, at all.’

And then there are people like Tony, 65 from Stanmore, who took a practical approach to the situation.

‘Like most people, my reason for having dentures was all down to the advice of my dentist. And to be honest, I wasn’t upset about it at all. I just wanted to have nice teeth and dentures, I presumed, would give me just that. If they looked real, where was the problem? As it’s turned out, I was right. None of my friends have them but I get along fine with them.’