Mother Warns After Veneers Concealed Deadly Tooth Infection

Vicki Williams, a mother from Morecambe, Lancashire, faced a life-threatening health crisis after concealing her deteriorating dental condition with veneers. Having avoided the dentist since before the pandemic, the 49-year-old felt embarrassed about her “ugly brown stumps” and opted for a £500 set of temporary veneers to enhance her smile. Unfortunately, these veneers masked a severe and potentially deadly bacterial infection known as Ludwig’s Angina.

Over the past few years, Vicki’s mental health struggles contributed to her neglect of dental hygiene. She developed a phobia of visiting the dentist, which led to her teeth deteriorating further. On May 2, 2023, she experienced pain in her lower wisdom teeth but, fearing a dental visit, she relied on ibuprofen to alleviate the discomfort.

Health Crisis Unfolds

Just days later, Vicki’s condition worsened significantly. On May 5, the pain became unbearable, prompting her to call the medical helpline 111. She was subsequently referred to Queen Victoria Hospital in Morecambe, where she initially received a two-week course of antibiotics to combat the infection. However, the next morning, she awoke to find her mouth and tongue swollen to the point of obstructing her breathing.

Vicki was rushed to Lancaster Royal Infirmary, where medical staff performed three operations to remove several teeth and drain the infection. During the final procedure, doctors placed her in a five-day induced coma to help her recover from the severe infection. Ultimately, most of her upper teeth and her lower wisdom teeth were removed.

Reflecting on her experience, Vicki stated, “The pain was unbearable. I would compare it to labor. It was very scary in the hospital; I thought that was the end of days for me.”

A Cautionary Tale

After nearly a month of hospitalization, Vicki was discharged. Now, she is using her experience to raise awareness about the importance of dental health and the dangers of ignoring symptoms. Ludwig’s Angina, while relatively uncommon, can be life-threatening if not recognized and treated promptly. Symptoms typically include pain, sore throat, swelling, difficulty breathing, and fever.

Vicki’s journey highlights the critical need for regular dental check-ups, especially for those who may be struggling with anxiety or other mental health issues. She urges others to seek medical attention for dental pain rather than resorting to quick fixes like veneers that can mask underlying problems.

“They [the veneers] looked amazing, but I should have gone to the dentist instead of looking for a quick fix,” Vicki explained. “I would hate for anyone else to go through that just because of toothache and anxiety about the dentist.”

In a positive turn, Vicki has been offered treatment from the Dental Education Centre, which will begin in December. Students will assist in cleaning her remaining teeth and fitting her with dentures. She has also joined the waiting list for an NHS dentist.

Vicki’s story serves as a powerful reminder that dental health is vital and should never be overlooked. Seeking help sooner rather than later can prevent serious health complications and improve overall well-being.