An Edinburgh woman has been left looking like "an extra from a horror movie" after her teeth fell out during lockdown.
Denise Hesketh began to suffer dental problems during the pandemic but treatment remained unavailable for months.
The 58-year-old said her oral health deteriorated and her teeth began to rot and fall out.
She has now been told she needs dental implants to fix her smile - but it will cost her £20,000.
Her condition left her struggling to eat and swallow, and she reckons people alienate themselves from her as she says she resembles 'something out of a Stephen King film'.
Currently unemployed, she claims finding a public-facing job has been difficult due to her unsightly appearance.
Denise is now waiting to undergo extensive treatment and hopes to fundraise to cover the costs.
Denise, originally from Blackpool, told the Record: "Before lockdown, I had receding gums and lots of fillings.
"My gums have got worse and normally I'd have the crowns replaced. Lockdown made treatment difficult. Now I need to get implants which is expensive.
"I'm arranging a scan and consultation so hopefully what's in my gums will be strong enough to hold an implant.
"I look like an alien monster."
Denise, who has a passion for rock-climbing and outdoor sporting activities, says the state of her gnashers has drastically impacted her confidence and social life.
She fears that paying the whopping £20,000 dental bill herself would leave her penniless.
She continued: "I was out climbing a few times last year and meeting new people. We'd meet through Facebook and have a good chat in person but then I'd never see them again.
"There was no other reason I could think of why they would suddenly lose touch than the state of my teeth.
"When I've had job interviews, I know they're not going to pick me. I don't bother applying for anywhere where I'm going to be on display or representing the company because I look really scary.
"It's like there's a deep hole beyond my gums. They're a horrible colour and I'm paranoid that they look and smell foul. I've got to used to hiding behind my face mask but when the pandemic is over, what will I do?
"They wouldn't have got like this if it wasn't for lockdown. I've not treated them with the best of love sometimes but I would've got them sorted by now.
Denise's fundraiser has collected £500 of her £20,000 total so far.
She added: "A lot of the donations have come from close friends and some family members so I'm really hoping the momentum can continue."
To donate to Denise's fundraiser, click here .
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