Hi, my name is Braegen McIntosh, and I'm asking for help with something that affects every part of my daily life — my teeth. At 46 years old, I'm living with severe dental decay that has progressed to the point where most of my teeth are either rotted, broken, or completely gone. My top canines are damaged, my bottom teeth are about half to two-thirds rotted, and I have tooth shards embedded in my gums from teeth that broke off and never got removed. Every day I deal with pain, difficulty eating, and an overwhelming self-consciousness that makes me afraid to laugh, smile, or talk openly with the people around me.

This didn't happen from neglect of caring — dental care is expensive, and like many Americans, I've had to choose between dental work and keeping the lights on. The gap between what I could afford and what I needed kept growing, and here I am. The solution is permanent dentures and oral surgery to remove the shards — a full restoration that would change my life completely. The total cost is far beyond what I can manage on my own while covering basic living expenses.

I'm not asking for luxury. I'm asking to be able to eat without pain, speak without embarrassment, and smile without hiding my face. If you can contribute anything — whatever you're able — it means the world. And if you can't give, sharing this page costs nothing and could make all the difference. Thank you for reading, and thank you for caring.