Matt is a 24-year-old recovering drug addict in need of life saving dental work that he cannot afford. Six years of using crystal methamphetamine has caused Matt to develop a condition known as Meth Mouth. This condition causes teeth to decompose leaving Matt susceptible to infections that not only erode his teeth and gums, but that can spread to other parts of his body including his heart or brain. Until the damage in his mouth is repaired, he is at substantial risk for heart damage. Matt is working with Dr. Brett Kessler, a leading expert on Meth Mouth, to repair the Matt’s teeth; however the treatment will involve pulling most of Matt’s teeth and giving him dentures and eventually implants at a minimum cost of $10,000. Dr. Kessler was recently featured in an ADA article on Meth Mouth. To read this article which uses Matt’s mouth as an example of the condition click here. Matt also suffers constant blinding pain from abscessed and infected teeth. He can no longer enjoy his favorite foods, eating at all means enduring even greater pain. Matt’s smile makes people cringe. People look at him like he is less of a human and he has been turned down for jobs based on how his teeth look. He is treated like he is still a drug addict even though he has been clean for more than six months.

Quitting has been the hardest thing Matt has ever done. He recognizes the damage he has done to his body and is sorry he made the bad choice to ever start using drugs. Now he is looking for a fresh start. Matt now holds down a steady job, supports himself, and wants to go help other addicts get clean. Matt is saving every penny he can for these procedures, but his work provides no medical or dental benefits, and his wages barely cover living expenses. Matt wants to go to college to study psychology and non-profit administration so that he can fulfill his dream of working with at risk youth. He wants to help kids not to make the choices he has made. Restoring his teeth and his health is the next step to fulfilling his dreams.

Please help Matt to be able to smile again, to enjoy a good meal again, to live a day without pain, and to keep him safe from serious illness. Any donation will help. Thank you for helping change a life.

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