A young mum has revealed how she was left with no choice but to get dentures at just 23 years old after years of struggling with poor oral health caused by her tough upbringing.
Shayla Cramer, now 26, from Ethan, South Dakota, grew up in a poor household without consistent access to water—making it nearly impossible to keep her teeth clean. The damage was irreversible, and despite multiple surgeries, her teeth started falling out rapidly after she gave birth to her son.
“Growing up, my dad was a single father to five and wasn’t able to afford water, so I wasn’t able to take care of my teeth,” Shayla explained.
“After I had my son in 2018, they just started falling out no matter what I did. Insurance is so much for them to cover so little, and I had no help. I ended up losing my dad and my twins two weeks apart and life felt like it was falling apart.
“This amazing woman ended up offering to pay for my dentures as long as I could figure out a way to get them all pulled.”
Shayla had already undergone her first major mouth surgery at just 12 years old, with doctors attempting to save her front teeth. But while the procedure worked for a while, her dental health took another devastating hit after pregnancy.
With no way to afford further treatment, Shayla thought she had run out of options—until an unexpected act of kindness changed her life. A generous stranger stepped in to help fund her dentures, giving her a fresh start.
Since getting her new teeth, Shayla says her confidence has soared, and she finally feels like herself again.
“People always assume drugs but it wasn’t.
“Finally, after a couple of months I got it done and got my smile back. I never got to truly smile looking beautiful with my son for four years.
“Some of us have had a harsh life or bad genes and pregnancy can take that away from you as well, remember that the next time you judge someone.
“Now that I’ve got my dentures, I’ve been able to eat everything, I’m able to smile, I’m able to enjoy life with my family and kids and it’s been the best choice for me.
“Some people may not think so, but it has helped me more than normal teeth have.”
Now, Shayla is sharing her story to break the stigma around dentures, proving that age is no barrier when it comes to reclaiming your confidence!