Shayla Cramer, a 26-year-old from Ethan, South Dakota, has opened up about the struggles she faced with her dental health, which ultimately led her to get dentures at just 23 years old. Growing up in a family facing financial difficulties, Shayla had limited access to clean water, a key factor in maintaining good oral hygiene. As a result, her dental health deteriorated rapidly.
With her family unable to afford dental care, Shayla’s teeth began to fall out in her early twenties, and she was unable to afford the expensive treatment needed to fix them. Things took a turn for the worse after the birth of her son in 2018, when her already weakened teeth started deteriorating further, no matter what she tried.
In a moment of despair, a kind stranger stepped in and offered to cover the costs of Shayla’s dentures, a gesture that gave her the opportunity to restore her smile and regain her confidence. Shayla recalled the emotional toll of losing her father and twins just weeks apart, leaving her feeling as though her life was unraveling. “Insurance was too expensive for me to afford, and with no support, it seemed like my dental health was just out of my control,” she said.
Shayla’s journey with her teeth began earlier when, at the age of 12, she underwent a mouth surgery to save her front teeth. While the surgery was successful for a time, the damage from her childhood lack of oral care began to resurface during pregnancy. Despite her challenges, the support of a generous stranger allowed her to finally get dentures and improve her quality of life.
Since receiving her dentures, Shayla has shared her experience on her TikTok account, @gummybear_19983, where she offers insights into her new life with dentures and answers questions from her followers. She has become a source of inspiration to others who may feel self-conscious or face similar struggles. “Before getting my dentures, I felt like I couldn’t even smile in photos with my son. It was heartbreaking to feel like I couldn’t share my happiness with him because I didn’t feel beautiful,” she explained.
The change has been transformative. Shayla now feels confident and can eat without discomfort, something she had struggled with for years. Her dentures, which were initially intended as a temporary solution, have given her a new lease on life. “I finally got my smile back,” she shared. “Now, I can enjoy life with my family without worrying about my teeth. It was the best choice I could’ve made.”
Shayla’s story also sheds light on the challenges faced by many individuals who experience dental health problems due to financial limitations. She encourages others to be understanding, reminding them that people’s struggles may not always be visible. “Not all of us have had an easy life, and sometimes bad genes or circumstances like pregnancy can take away something as simple as a smile,” she said.
Her TikTok followers have shown their support, with many praising Shayla for her bravery in sharing her journey. In one of her videos, a follower commented, “You’re beautiful before and after,” while others expressed admiration for her strength and resilience in overcoming such a difficult situation.
Shayla’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of oral care and the impact that access to dental services can have on a person’s life. Thanks to the kindness of a stranger and her own determination, she has turned a challenging chapter into one of empowerment.
Related topics:
Does Skin Whitening Toothpaste Work?
Smilie Whitening Kit: A Safe, Dentist-Approved Solution for Brightening Your Smile at Home
The Truth Behind Whitening Your Teeth: What Actually Works?
