Angie Barlow took dental self-care to an extreme, using superglue to reattach falling teeth, leading to severe dental damage

In a startling revelation of dental fear gone too far, Angie Barlow of England has demonstrated an extraordinary and ill-advised method of avoiding the dentist’s office. Haunted by the trauma of her mother discovering she had throat cancer during a routine dental check-up and subsequently passing away at the young age of 34, Barlow developed a profound fear of dental visits. This fear led her to use superglue to reattach her teeth whenever they fell out instead of seeking professional care.

For over a decade, Barlow managed her dental issues at home, using the household adhesive to fix her teeth back into her gums. “I used glue on the top of the tooth, and then I put it back in place until the glue is set,” Barlow explained her process. Unfortunately, the superglue not only failed to preserve her teeth but also inflicted severe damage. The toxic chemicals in the adhesive destroyed about 90 percent of the bone supporting her teeth in her upper jaw.

The dire consequences of her self-treatment came to light only when the situation turned critical, forcing her to visit a dentist. By then, the damage was severe enough that the dentist had to remove 11 of her top teeth. The dental surgery involved the insertion of six titanium screws into her jaw to anchor a new set of 12 false teeth.

Barlow’s case is highlighted in the BBC documentary “The Truth About Your Teeth,” where her story and its implications are explored in detail. The documentary aims to shed light on the importance of professional dental care and the potential dangers of self-treatment. 

Her experience serves as a cautionary tale about the lengths to which dental anxiety can drive individuals and the severe repercussions of neglecting professional dental advice. It underscores the need for better support and resources for those who suffer from dental phobia, ensuring they receive the care they need without resorting to such extreme measures.