$50,000 For A Smile? Croatian TV Journalist Says It's Worth It

Zagreb, Croatia (AHN) - A Croatian TV journalist spent $50,000 for dental treatment just to keep his viewer-winning smile which he claims made him famous.

Damir Matkovic said he was forced to spent that huge amount after he discover he was suffering from periodontitis - a condition where the gums become inflamed and can lead to tooth loss.

Having made a name on TV for his smile aside from reportorial skills, Matkovic was able to convince his station bosses at national TV station, HTV, to shell out the extra cash for his dental treatment.

It turned out to be a wise decision for the television network after fans lavished them with praises.

"I only ever watch news programs because of him. I couldn't imagine him with no teeth, not being able to flash that lovely smile of his," said Mirka Radicovic of Zagreb.