A MUM says her confidence has been shattered after being left with vampire-like fangs following tooth decay.

Charlotte Bateman, 49, suffered terrible pain from severe periodontal disease and says it impacted on her self-esteem.

The caterer, who lives in Collington, near Bromyard, contacted lawyers to take up her case against Dr Jean-Ann Smith, of Smith, Holloman and Associates dental practice, in Bromyard.

Dr Smith did not admit liability but did make an out of court payment of £25,000

Mrs Bateman claims that her gums would bleed during every dental examinations.

She added: "One day, when I was flossing at home and a piece of debris got pushed up and lodged in my gum - gums are not meant to be soft like that. I knew something was seriously wrong.

She says a neighbour visited shortly after one appointment and was "visibly shocked" at how her teeth looked.

"I was so embarrassed," she said. "I didn’t want to be seen in public after that. My confidence was knocked. I retreated into myself and avoided social situations as much as possible.”

Her case was taken on by lawyers at the Dental Law Partnership, resulting in the out-of-court settlement.

The surgery, when contacted by the Hereford Times this week, said it would not be commenting due to patient confidentiality.

“Charlotte attended an orthodontic consultation in 2011, x-rays were taken which I was advised showed several of Charlotte’s upper and lower teeth exhibiting bone loss, and she was diagnosed with gum disease," said Daniel Kinnear, a solicitor with the Law Partnership.

"Charlotte is undergoing treatment to stabilise her gums, she will lose teeth in the future and the resulting gaps will need implants."

Mrs Bateman says she hopes she can now move on with her life.

"All the problems with my teeth have had such a negative impact on my self-esteem," she said.

"The whole saga has also had a detrimental effect on my career. I can’t wait to have remedial treatment and finally be able to hold my head up high again.”