Kenya Dental Association (KDA) has raised the red flag over the over increasing cases of dental fluorosis and oral cancer in the country.
Speaking during the closing ceremony of KDA annual scientific conference and exhibition at Pride Inn Paradise resort in Kilifi, over the weekend, chairman Andrew Wetende attributed fluorosis cases to increased use of unsafe borehole and bottled water.
Fluorosis is a chronic condition caused by excessive intake of fluorine compounds, marked by discolouration of teeth and, if severe, calcification of the ligaments.
While Oral Cancer is the uncontrollable growth of cells that invade and cause damage to surrounding tissues.It appears as a growth or sore in the mouth that does not go away. Oral cancer, which includes cancers of the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, sinuses, and throat, can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated on time.
“We are urging the Ministry of Health and other relevant stakeholders to lobby for use of clean and safe water,” Wetende is quoted by mediamax.
Wetende regretted that the profession has been infiltrated by quacks and lacks infrastructure, leading to poor treatment to patients hence not containing the menace.