{"id":126910,"date":"2021-05-30T09:16:58","date_gmt":"2021-05-30T09:16:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/precoinnews.com\/?p=126910"},"modified":"2021-05-30T09:16:58","modified_gmt":"2021-05-30T09:16:58","slug":"mum-says-she-looks-like-drug-addict-after-developing-phobia-of-dentists","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/precoinnews.com\/world-news\/mum-says-she-looks-like-drug-addict-after-developing-phobia-of-dentists\/","title":{"rendered":"Mum says she looks like ‘drug addict’ after developing phobia of dentists"},"content":{"rendered":"

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A mum says she "feels like a drug addict" due to the appearance of her teeth after not having dental treatment for years.<\/p>\n

She once had the "perfect smile" but now says she been refused treatment by almost every practice in her area unless she is willing to pay privately.<\/p>\n

Lou-ann Potter, from Leicester, developed a severe phobia of dentists when she went in for basic treatment six years ago and needed anaesthesia to numb her mouth.<\/p>\n

The dentist hit a nerve causing her to go to hospital, where it was discovered she had blood poisoning.<\/p>\n

After the "traumatic experience" the mum didn't visit the dentist for years, fearing that the same thing could happen again.<\/p>\n

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Her dad's recent death inspired her to finally overcome her anxieties and seek treatment.<\/p>\n

She told Leicestershire Live: "I stopped going to visit my dad because I was too ashamed of how I looked. <\/p>\n

"When he died, I thought I am not going to let this stop me anymore."<\/p>\n

The 39-year-old works in the hospitality industry and her work has also been affected by her appearance.<\/p>\n

She added: "The pandemic was and is a frightening experience for everyone.<\/p>\n

"But for me, the face masks were a Godsend as I was able to work confidently when restrictions eased because no-one could see my teeth."<\/p>\n

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