All I want for Christmas…

is teeth!

Several months ago, I had to have a tooth out. It just couldn’t be saved, so it had to go. This resulted in my needing a new denture. At the time, whatever could go wrong promptly did and what they came up with just didn’t fit.

I don’t know why, but from their comments and excuses, I think they thought it was my fault!

Before I continue, I have to mention that my dentist, for the want of a better word, is National Health and I am an old age pensioner. Which means, basically, that I don’t pay for my treatment. Whether this explains the slipshod attitude towards my mouth, and me I cannot say. But I was told in no uncertain terms that I would have to wait until three months had passed before they could try again. Something to do with my entitlement…

Well, I did complain, but they wouldn’t budge.

So I waited…

In the interim, two more teeth decided to give up the ghost, developing nasty abscesses in the gum and they had to be removed too. Not a simple procedure either and they came out in pieces. Despite this ordeal, I considered myself lucky, as it could easily have happened after I had the new denture. That’s if you ever do, said the voice of niggling doubt!

Time has elapsed and I now have just two more appointments for fittings before they are ready, although I am not holding my breath!

So far, I have been without any top teeth for months, and I am getting REALLY fed up with soft food. There is only so much porridge a person can stomach you know. Although I have learned to successfully suck a slice of toast to death…

…and I did come into my own at Halloween, my toothless grin was very popular.

You wouldn’t believe what really upsets me though…

No matter how carefully I try, I can’t talk properly!

The family think this is all amusing, but they have no idea how hard it has been. How many different foods I have picked up to eat, only to realise I can’t and have to give up walk away. And before you ask, I haven’t lost any weight!

Stubborn as ever, I even tried sucking my way through a bag of crisps, but they just made my mouth sore.

So in four weeks’ time, with all my fingers crossed and a prevailing wind, I might just be able to smile at the world again and eat what the hell I like!