The UK’s largest Epilepsy charity, Epilepsy Society, is running a #FixIt4Free petition to help thousands of people with epilepsy fix their dental repairs for free caused by their seizures.
Data shows that half of people who have suffered dental injuries during a seizure have not had them repaired because they can’t afford the treatment. 31% of these had lost teeth.
Chloe Milburn, 36, said: “I have been to the dentists so many times and paid godly amounts of money to fix my teeth but they break so soon again because I just have another seizure.
“I have chipped my tooth before when I fell onto my desk at home whilst having a seizure and I was so heartbroken and completely lost my confidence until I got it fixed by a dentist.
“I think the Epilepsy Society’s campaign is so important. Those with epilepsy shouldn’t have to pay for injuries caused as part of their epilepsy.”
The charity welcomed Labour’s pledge to tackle the NHS dental health care crisis but demand that it includes people who have damaged their teeth from a seizure.
Clare Pelham, Chief Executive of Epilepsy Society, said on their website: “Sir Keir Starmer’s rescue package must include people with epilepsy who are being penalised financially because their medical condition leaves them with broken teeth.”
Life is hard enough for people living with epilepsy. But when your front teeth are broken or missing, you have no smile and no confidence.”
Sign the petition here