A London florist crippled by a severe dental phobia has sought treatment abroad after his teeth "crumbled away" due to years of avoiding dentists.
Lajos Csendes, 31, originally from Hungary, has battled weak teeth since adolescence, often breaking them simply by biting into bread or even with his fingers.
His deep-seated fear has led to prolonged periods without dental care, including one seven-year stretch, leaving him with only his front and wisdom teeth.
While dental professionals believe regular check-ups could have mitigated the damage, genetics may also be a factor, as Csendes's sister experiences similar dental issues.
The situation reached a crisis point in 2024 when a severe tooth infection entered his bloodstream and spread towards his heart.
This prompted him to seek help at a specialist clinic in Hungary equipped to handle patients with dental phobias.
Csendes now faces a daunting £20,000-£25,000 procedure to reconstruct both his teeth and facial bones. He hopes the treatment will not only improve his oral health but also restore his confidence, allowing him to smile freely again.
He feels the NHS has not adequately addressed his phobia.
“They thought I was joking when I said I have this fear.
“It makes me have nightmares… I hope people realise it really affects me and is a serious issue.
“Finding a good relationship was always a struggle for me… I know people are judging… and some are afraid to interact with me.”
Mr Csendes has been terrified of the dentist his entire life, and as a child would even bite his dentist.
Over the years, check-ups became almost impossible – every time he tried to attend an appointment, he found himself unable to step into the building.
“I struggle with the smell, the noises, the clean white building.
“It all just triggers me… I feel sick, I shake and it’s just so scary for me.”
According to NHS England, the level of anxiety an individual experiences in relation to dental treatment is likely to vary from person to person, and according to the treatment performed.
At the specialist clinic in Hungary for patients with a phobia of the dentist, Mr Csendes finally sat through an appointment.
“It didn’t even look like a dentist, it was so modern, and the dentist explained everything to me…I felt so relaxed.”
An X-ray revealed that the bones in his face had begun to deteriorate, and dentists said the process of restoring his teeth and facial structure would take around two-and-a-half years.
“They plan to take my teeth roots out and then open up the part of my face, above my mouth, and screw in metal bolts into my upper and lower jaw to bring my jaw line forward,” Mr Csendes explained.
“They’d then put ceramic teeth in.”
The procedure will cost between £20,000 to £25,000, so Mr Csendes has set up a GoFundMe to raise the funds.
He believes that once the treatment is complete, his life will be “transformed”.
“I’ll be able to feel normal again and not have to worry about my smile.”
You can donate to Mr Csendes’s GoFundMe here.
Mother blinded by ex-partner fears for life after he is moved to an open prison
Scottish patients having to rely on decades-old equipment, says Labour
‘Nothing is off the table’ as Tories set to begin renewing policy offer
‘I mistook a cancer symptom for a diet side effect – now I’ve got months to live’
NHS ‘addicted to overspending’, warns Wes Streeting as he issues job cuts warning
Undiscovered cause of Parkinson’s found for first time by scientists
