A woman was accused of "catfishing" after she spent £1,800 on dentures to transform her smile.
Dakila Mccombs started losing her teeth aged 22 – after she had her braces removed.
She suffered a serious gum infection that damaged bones supporting her gnashers.
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The mum-of-two, from Tennessee in the US, lost the majority of her teeth before she decided to get them all removed.
She felt too self conscious to grin and often covered her mouth – but finally found her confidence again after getting dentures aged 31.
Dakila, now 32, recalled: "I've always had bad teeth and had to wear braces for eight years.
"But when they were removed, six teeth literally came out with the braces. I was devastated and horrified…
"I have always been a bubbly person but I felt like I couldn't be myself as I didn't want to smile or laugh to show off my mouth.
"I was at an all-time low for years. I taught myself how to talk with my mouth almost closed or covered my mouth with my hand.
"I was the most insecure when two teeth at the front tooth fell out.
"I used to stick dental wax into the gaps but it was still obvious so I didn't have to think twice about dentures.
"It was a big relief during the pandemic and we had to wear masks as I felt like my confidence came back.
"I felt like the old upbeat me again and that's when I knew I really needed dentures."
Dakila had her remaining teeth removed for £3,100, which she claimed on insurance.
And after getting dentures in April 2021, she stopped being afraid to smile.
She even takes her teeth out for online videos, which she hopes will normalise dental problems.
This can sometimes spark cruel comments from trolls – but the influencer doesn't let this hold her back.
She added: "I receive a lot of backlash when I take my teeth out online, but I am trying to educate others.
"When you're young and lose your teeth, people automatically lose your teeth to drugs.
"I have inherited gum disease as it runs through my family so I was doomed from the get-go.
"I have been called a catfish, but I don't care because I have a supportive fiancé Tim Simmons, 32, who loves me for me.
"I used to be negative to myself, but now I have great teeth, and I know they look good so nobody can bring me down.
"I want other people to know they are beautiful and their gummy smile is the best smile.
"No matter what your story is, always rise above."
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