I had 26 care placements in 2 years as a child, now at just 24 I need a new set of teeth

A Fylde coast mum has launched a fundraiser for restorative dental treatment after years of childhood neglect left her with severe dental problems.

Kara Steven spent many of her early years in the care system. In just the space of two years she had more than 26 care placements meaning her access to dental care was limited as she often moved before a dentist could be found.

She said: “I won’t go into specific details about my childhood for privacy reasons, but it was incredibly tough. The people who were supposed to love, safeguard, and support me failed me immensely. Because of those severe system failings, I am currently going through a formal process with the local authority to address what happened.

“I’ve always had issues with my teeth from a very young child in primary school I had rotten decayed teeth.

“My whole life I’ve been bullied and name called due to my teeth and at that time it was out of my control.

“My teeth have caused me to have a complete lack of confidence because I’m worried people will judge me and blame it on lifestyle choices. I’ve never had as much as a cavity in adulthood all my issues stem from childhood. I don’t like getting in picture and smiling or even having conversations with professionals.”

Now at just 24, the young mum wears a partial denture and has been told by the NHS all they can offer her are dentures.

Ms Steven said: “During conversations I always see people’s eyes staring at my teeth.

“The NHS can offer dentures but to be 24 with a denture is such a horrible feeling. I currently wear a partial denture and it is hard to talk or eat. I can’t eat while it’s in so if we are out while we are having some food I have no choice but to take it out.

“It causes sores in my mouth and is just very painful and uncomfortable but in the near future I will be having more teeth attached to that denture. So I am trying to raise some funds for implants and bridges.”

To help fund the life changing treatment Kara has set up a Go Fund Me page to raise £4,000.

Ms Steven said: “I set the goal for the Go Fund Me for £4,000, this isn’t the full amount of the treatment but along with me saving any money I can, hopefully one day, I will reach the goal.

“This treatment gives me a chance, a chance to be Kara, a woman I have worked so hard to find.

“A mother that can be in pictures not behind the camera. Smile in public without wondering what people are thinking about me or making assumptions. It will stop me staying awake crying at night in agony and wondering why life dealt me these cards. It would give me the confidence I have lacked my entire life.

“Taking control of this is the final step for me, right now my teeth are the only thing holding me back and tying me to a traumatic childhood and I’m finally ready to break that link.”

During a recent appointment with her dentist Kara was told she need more teeth removing.

She said: “I recently went back to the dentist, I was told they have to extract another two of my teeth. I cried the whole day because it feels so completely out of my control, and knowing it is permanent is heartbreaking. It felt overwhelming, but I decided to take a leap of faith and set up the page. I realised that if others can seek help and community support for their health and well-being, there is no reason I shouldn't try to do the same.”

Speaking directly to anyone thinking about donating, Ms Steven said: “Setting up this page was a scary leap of faith for me, but the kindness of people so far has been amazing. If you choose to donate or even just share the link, you are helping me close a traumatic chapter of my life. I am incredibly grateful to anyone who takes the time to read my story.”

More details about Kara’s story including donation information can be found here.