Keith Smith, 59, from Horsham, has already spent £25,000 on dental work – but has since been told he’ll need to spend another £22,000 to replace his bottom set of teeth.

Oral complications are common in cancer patients, especially those with head and neck cancer, according to National Cancer Institute.

For Keith it has been tooth decay and gum disease.

In 2009, Keith Smith was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma which can be life-threatening.

After months of exhausting chemotherapy, Keith was told he was in remission.

Keith says cancer has left him with a battle he did not expect.  (Image: Keith Essex) He said: “I consider myself incredibly lucky and I am grateful everyday but surviving cancer has left me with a battle I didn’t expect.

“The immediate side effects of chemotherapy are already difficult but the lasting impact of the enamel erosion have really effected me.”

“Over time, my teeth have gone – one after another.”

“I’ve been fighting to save my smile and my ability to eat for over a decade.”

Since Keith’s diagnosis he has spent more than £25,000 on urgent dental treatment just to be able to chew food and live without constant pain.

Keith has lost all of his bottom teeth, which need reconstruction. (Image: Keith Essex) He said he has paid for extractions, crowns and repairs but despite everything, the damage is ongoing.

Keith said: “My dentist has now told me that I urgently need 10 dental implants, four of them with two teeth on each.

“I have lost all my bottom teeth and I am facing reconstruction of this area.

“These are not cosmetic procedures and without them, I will lose the ability to chew solid food altogether. 

“The total cost for this essential treatment is £22,000 plus.”

Keith also explained how the issue effects him day to day.

He said: “Speaking to people I am conscious – I have not felt that before.”

Keith says he was offered dentures but explains he still in his fifties so does not want that.

“There is no NHS funding available for this level of restorative dental care,” he said.

This has left Keith with no option but to start a fundraiser, after being encouraged by friends.

See Keith’s fundraiser here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/chemo-saved-my-life-but-sadly-damaged-all-my-teeth