Gemma has opened up about her ‘challenging’ journey (Picture: Can Nguyen/REX/Shutterstock)
Emmerdale star Gemma Oaten has opened up about a difficult journey after losing her top teeth.
The actress, who played Rachel Breckle on the ITV soap, bravely opened up about the ordeal to her Instagram followers.
She explained how she was forced to undergo surgery two and a half years ago to remove her top teeth, as a result of battling an eating disorder and ‘a dentist who put crowns on top of rotting teeth’.
‘This journey has been challenging, & while I’ve spoken about it before, sharing this part of my story feels right at this time,’ she added.
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‘I’m at peace with it. I hope to encourage others who may be facing similar struggles. Remember, it’s okay to seek help & take steps toward healing.’
She went on to thank her new dentist for giving her her ‘permanent teeth’, which she showed off in a series of pictures.
‘You’ve truly changed my life, & I can’t thank you enough,’ she wrote.
Fans were quick to respond to the emotional post, with one writing: ‘Beautiful smile for a beautiful lady. Keep bossing it.’
Gemma played Rachel Breckle in the ITV soap (Picture: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
‘Looking amazing Gem and brilliant u can share ur experiences for others, u should be so proud,’ another said.
Gemma has previously been open about her battle with Anorexia, and her work as a patron of the charity SEED – Support and Empathy for people with Eating Disorders – which was set up by her parents to raise money and awareness to help others who are struggling.
Writing for Metro, Gemma previously explained why her parents, Marg and Dennis Oaten, started SEED Eating Disorder Support Services, and credited them for helping her in her own recovery.
Source:: Metro