Nairobi: Dental experts have raised concern over rising cases of dental fluorosis among children in Naivasha and other urban centres, attributing the condition to increased use of borehole water with high fluoride content. Oral Health Association of Kenya (OHAK) President, Dr Beatrice Achieng, said fluorosis, which causes discolouration of teeth, was among the leading oral health concerns identified in recent years.
According to Kenya News Agency, Dr Achieng, speaking during a free dental clinic at Mirera Primary School in Naivasha on Tuesday, mentioned that pupils from nearby informal settlements had a high prevalence of cavities and discolored teeth. She noted that fluorosis had traditionally been associated with Naivasha and neighbouring towns due to naturally high fluoride levels in local water sources. However, the condition is becoming rampant in estates in Nairobi and Ngong as more residents turn to borehole water.
Dr Achieng highlighted that fluorosis is on the rise not only in Nakuru County but in other counties due to the increased use of borehole water, which has high levels of fluoride. She emphasized that dental services remained under-utilized despite being of good quality, accessible, and affordable.
Dental officer Chege Dunu reported that preliminary observations indicated between 40 and 46 per cent of children assessed had some form of tooth discolouration. He explained that dental fluorosis occurs when children are exposed to excess fluoride while their teeth are developing, mainly between the ages of six and 14 years, with teenagers being the most affected age group.
Dunu further noted that the condition is not painful and can go unnoticed for years, with many affected children only seeking help later in life when concerned about the appearance of their teeth. He mentioned that fluorosis cases in Naivasha were gradually declining due to increased use of harvested rainwater and water purification machines, calling for wider access to safe drinking water to protect children from the condition.
Dunu added that treatment is now available at government hospitals and other public health facilities, urging residents with discoloured teeth to seek professional care. He identified tooth decay, gum disease, and misaligned teeth as other common oral health concerns and advised parents to seek professional advice before allowing children’s milk teeth to be extracted.
Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council member Musa Kiptanui attributed dental challenges, including cavities and tooth discolouration, to changing dietary habits, particularly increased consumption of refined and sugary foods. Kiptanui urged Kenyans to seek services only from licensed and registered dental practitioners, highlighting that the Council is working with compliance officers to crack down on unlicensed practitioners, commonly known as quacks.
Kiptanui stated that Kenya is below World Health Organisation standards in terms of the number of dental health practitioners, but efforts are underway with the government and learning institutions to close this gap. He advised the public to maintain good oral hygiene by reducing sugar intake and brushing their teeth at least twice daily.
The free clinic was organized by OHAK in conjunction with Mount Kenya University, providing dental treatment and oral health education to pupils and the surrounding community. The event precedes OHAK’s 32nd Annual Scientific Oral Health Conference, scheduled to be held at a Naivasha hotel, which aims to bring together practitioners to discuss emerging trends in dental care.
