A mother was left with unexpected dental issues while on holiday in Turkey after an unfortunate dance floor accident. Gemma Reeve, 32, found herself in a predicament when her sister-in-law, Amber Armitage, urged her to perform ‘the worm’ dance move at a nightclub in Alanya back in September 2024. Despite being a bit tipsy, Gemma complied and attempted the energetic move, only to end up knocking her two front teeth out when she hit the hard floor. The incident was captured on camera and shared on TikTok, garnering over 70,000 views.
The morning after the accident, Gemma sought medical attention at the hotel, where she was then referred to a dental clinic. There, a dentist performed two root canals, adjusted her remaining teeth, and provided temporary replacements. Before flying back home, Gemma had permanent crowns fitted on her damaged teeth, but she was faced with a hefty bill of Euro 2,000 for the dental work. Gemma, who hails from Bradford, West Yorkshire, shared her shock and distress at the ordeal, noting that it completely altered her appearance and left her in considerable pain during the remainder of her holiday.
Gemma expressed her initial disbelief upon realizing her teeth were on the floor after the mishap and recounted the panic and discomfort she experienced. She recalled struggling to eat due to her temporary dental replacements, resorting to soft foods like mashed potatoes. Gemma also mentioned her frustration with her insurance coverage, as she was only able to claim reimbursement for pain relief upon returning home, receiving a minimal sum of £140. Reflecting on the incident, she vowed never to attempt ‘the worm’ dance move again to avoid a repeat of the costly and painful experience.
Despite the initial shock and inconvenience, Gemma eventually found humour in the situation, referring to her repaired teeth as her ‘Turkey teeth’. She and her sister-in-law, Amber, now laugh about the incident, with Amber taking a lighthearted stance on the matter, although Gemma still bears the financial burden of the dental treatment. The unexpected turn of events serves as a cautionary tale for holidaymakers, highlighting the importance of being cautious while engaging in physical activities and the potential financial repercussions of unforeseen accidents abroad.
The incident underscores the importance of travel insurance coverage and being mindful of one’s actions, especially in unfamiliar or inebriated environments. Gemma’s experience serves as a reminder to prioritize safety and responsible behaviour, even in moments of leisure and celebration. Despite the initial shock and challenges she faced, Gemma’s resilient attitude and ability to find humour in the situation demonstrate her strength and positive outlook in overcoming unexpected obstacles abroad.