Spokane Woman Who's Given So Much Is Searching For A New Smile

Vernecia Howard with her husband Gerald is searching for a new smile.

When you meet 44 year old Vernecia Howard it's easy to see how much she is loved. Howard is a natural people person and has always loved giving back. She's active in her church and has always been there for her 4 children. "One thing that I'll tell you about me is I come from a single parent home with a mother who taught me to always be a giver. She said if you give, you will receive," said Howard.

Even with all her joy, Vernecia Howard hides the pain that's been with her for more than two decades. After the birth of her daughter Nesha 20 years ago, Vernecia started having problems with her teeth, joining the thousands of Americans who experience painful gums and the need to have some of them removed. "Some of the most challenging problems I have with missing teeth is the irritation of my gums when eating. They get very red and sometimes certain foods cut them. I also have to deal with the fact my other teeth are shifting,"said Howard.

Howard, who just graduated from Spokane Falls Community College with a degree in Social Services says she doesn't want her missing teeth to hamper her career. "When you're embarrassed with your smile it's hard to speak face to face with people because your confidence is so low. You always feel as if they notice your missing teeth," said Howard. 

Howard is a part of a growing number of Americans who don't like smiling because of their teeth, according to a new study conducted by Dentistry Today. In fact 28 percent of people don’t show their smile when taking pictures on social media because they assume their teeth are unattractive. Also, 81 percent of people state that they believe their teeth look unattractive in photographs.

The study included about 2,000 participants and showed that 42 percent of people said their smile was the first thing they would change about themselves and slightly more than one third of the people said they were embarrassed by their smile.

But changing your smile can be an expensive endeavor. Howard says replacing her missing teeth would cost more than $6,000. She's gotten estimates that have been closer to $10,000. So she created a Go Fund Me account to try and cover the costs. "I started the account because I thought people would understand what I'm going through and would help me out. So far I've received $190, " said Howard.

Howard says she's not looking for a handout, just a little help and she's hoping an oral surgeon may see her story and work with her somehow. "Right now my husband is the only one working and we're living pay check to pay check. 

Vernecia Howard has devoted her life to God, family and community and is hoping you smile on her with a generous blessing.