I got dentures after my teeth ‘shattered’… I know I look like someone from The Grinch but trolls should be kinder
A MUM-OF-FOUR has hit back at cruel trolls who insisted that the dentures she’s been forced to wear are ”too big” for her mouth.
Samantha Fox, who’s in her 30s, had to have 23 gnashers removed after she started to feel sharp pains in her teeth during her pregnancy with the first child.
The young mum, who’s since shared the horrific ordeal on TikTok, then saw professionals and got root canals, as well as fillings, in hopes this would be the end of the nightmare.
But unfortunately, things only became worse when she fell pregnant for the second time and the pain returned, with her pearly whites eventually ”shattering”.
I had to suffer silently and alone
Samantha Fox
After her third pregnancy, the customer service assistant was advised to have implants, however due to the astronomical costs involved, the mum-of-four opted for dentures instead.
“I spent more time at the dentist during my pregnancies, than I did at my doctors‘ office,” said Samantha who now uses her platform to warn others.
“I was scared and confused as to why the dental work I kept having done would fail me only a short time later.
“My teeth were just soft and brittle.
“I had tooth pain and my mouth was being cut by the broken teeth,” Samantha recalled the intense pain.
“They were so sensitive and hurt each time I ate or had a drink.
“I was so embarrassed and I stopped smiling, as well as showing them, after a while.
“No one could tell how bad my teeth were. I had to suffer silently and alone.”
But despite using TikTok to make a positive change, Samantha – mum to Tony, 21, Ellie, eight, Lily, six, and Emmy, four – has also met brutal trolls on social media.
Recently, for instance, one person told the blonde beauty that the dentures were ”too big” for her mouth – and even Samantha admitted that this was the case.
Hitting back at the troll, the parent, who urged others to ”be kind”, said: ”I know they are way too big for me.
”I look like Who from Whoville,” the beauty lover, believed to be from the USA, compared herself to the Grinch character.
As well as being left with ”monkey lips”, Samantha said she couldn’t ”talk right” with the fake teeth – and chewing felt ”funny” too.
However, whilst some may think it was the dentures that were too large, the mum reckoned her mouth was ”too small for the standard size”.
Samantha bravely opened up that she’d been getting called names – however, none of this mattered, as she was finally able to ”chew again” and her mouth was no longer hurting.
Eventually, she added, she’d be getting a new pair of teeth that would be smaller and would, hopefully, fit her perfectly.
Why are people still commenting on each other’s appearances?
Social media user
Hearing the heart-breaking story, thousands flocked to comments to show support, with one writing: ”All I see is an absolutely beautiful person.”
Another chimed in: ”Why are people still commenting on each other’s appearances?! Goodness me.
”I’m so glad you’ve found relief from having dentures.”
Someone else penned: ”I had no idea they made “standard” size temporary dentures!
”Honestly great while you’re waiting for a custom set!”
A fellow mum wrote: ”I lost my perfect smile from child birth. 1 little baby.
”Immediately after my teeth rotted and I was in constant abscess after abscess. No one understands till it happens to them.”
Are you brushing your teeth correctly?
Dentists recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day, ideally in the morning and before bedtime.
Dr Rhona Eskander, dentist and co-founder of PÄRLA Toothpaste Tabs, says: “Brushing should last for approximately two minutes each time.
“Brush gently in circular motions, ensuring you cover all tooth surfaces.”
Not too hard
Dentist Dr Alfonso Rao, or Define Clinic, Beaconsfield, Bucks said it’s essential to find a balance between brushing effectively and not applying too much pressure.
“Brushing too hard can cause harm to the soft tissues and tooth surface,” he said.
Which toothpaste?
Dr Eskhander recommends using a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste as fluoride helps prevent tooth decay.
“You can also choose toothpaste with ingredients like baking soda for whitening or potassium nitrate for sensitivity.”
Don’t spit
Faizan Zaheer, from Bupa Dental Care, says: “People tend to rinse their mouths after brushing.
“However, this causes the removal of fluoride from the teeth, which means it can’t benefit by strengthening the minerals in the enamel.”
Rinsing with mouthwash is another habit to drop.
Faizan says: “It usually has a lower fluoride concentration than toothpaste.
“Therefore, it will dilute the fluoride concentration in the mouth if used after brushing.”
Wait after eating
It’s not uncommon for people to brush their teeth right after breakfast. But wait at least half an hour before doing this, experts say.
Celebrity Harley Street dentist Dr Richard Marques said: “The precious enamel that coats the teeth is temporarily weakened after eating due to the acids present in food, so by brushing right after you eat, you risk damaging it.”
Floss every day
Using floss or small interdental brushes removes bacteria between your teeth.
Change toothrush head
It’s recommended to change your toothbrush head on electric toothbrushes at least once every three months.
Dr Viren Vithlani, specialist periodontist and co-founder of MyMouth, explained: “The main reason for that is that you tend to find the bristles of the brush flare over time and then they become less effective, so you’re not removing plaque and bacteria as effectively.
“That means you’re leaving potentially more bacteria on the teeth which is increasing your risk of gum problems or decay.
“The second reason is from a hygiene perspective.
“Most people will leave brushes out and not covered so you tend to get bacteria colonising on the brush bristles themselves.”
Tongue cleaning
Your tongue can also harbour bacteria, which can lead to bad breath, so keeping it clean is vital.
You can use a tongue scraper for this, or even your toothbrush.
Gently brush side to side as well and back and forth, before rinsing out your mouth with water or a mouthwash.