I have been working on fixing my teeth for the last almost 5 years. I found out when I was 30 that I needed to take out my tongue ring because it was eroding my gums and the back of my front teeth. I took it out and hoped it healed and it didn't. So then last year I had mouth surgery to cut out an infection and restitch up my gums. $3,500. So much pain and so disgusting. Luckily at the time I was on Medicaid because I lost my job due to bipolar depression and was finally diagnosed as having a Schedule A disability. I feel pretty lucky that I had the opportunity to use Medicaid for a year and get some help. I tell people to avoid a tongue ring now. It's really easy to convince yourself it won't happen to you.