Dental care for 200 children and adults in Kenya

6th Report

Nairobi Kenya

Dear Friends,

We are so happy to report the overall success of our new nonprofit, DentCare Kenya, and also the individual

success stories of those who we have had the privilege to serve. In addition to focusing on teeth, we also provide information to individuals on their overall health. I would like to share with you the

personal stories of some of the beneficiaries of our free dental services.  Please read below the stories of

Raymond, James, Sylvester and Peninah.

Raymond Mutinda

Raymond suffered from gum disease which is an infection in the gum tissues and bone that has

been linked to heart disease and strokes. He is also diabetic

so this contributed to the disease as it makes teeth more susceptible as it reduces the body’s

resistance to infections. Further, high glucose levels promote the growth of bacteria. He was

treated and advised to take proper care of his teeth especially owing to his vulnerability from the

diabetes. He was also advised to be keen in maintaining control over his blood sugar.

James Omoke

I had gone to see another dentist and I was advised to have a root canal treatment for my molar

tooth. I did not get much information from the doctor and so when I saw the camp going on at

Kenyatta National Hospital, I decided to attend. I wanted to know what a root canal was. I was

informed that human teeth may have one to four (1-4) root canals, depending on the anatomy of

the tooth. Molars may have 2 to 4 canals. The doctor went ahead to say that these canals contain

the pulp of the tooth also commonly referred to as the nerve, which originates from the pulp

chamber. Any trauma or infection of the nerve will result in the need for root canal therapy. I got

to know of the common reasons for root canal therapy which include:

Tooth decay invading the tooth, penetrating through the enamel and then the dentin into the pulp.

A tooth has become abscessed or infected from decay.

Trauma from a chipped or broken tooth that results in the exposure of the nerve.

A tooth that is slowly dying, due to aging or past trauma that did not result in the need for

treatment at the time of injury.

I was informed that root canal therapy can be performed in a single or multiple visits. The

doctors started me on antibiotics as I had an infection. I was advised to complete the dosage

before the root canal treatment could be commenced. I hope to go back to the dentist’s again to

have the treatment completed.

Sylvester Mbugua

I have been having oral ulcers every month. They come and after about two weeks they heal.

It is really frustrating and that’s why I decided to come to the dentist when I heard of the free

dental camp. The dentist told me that my condition is known as recurrent oral ulcers. The ulcers

are small, round or oval shaped and they have a pale yellow color to them and the surrounding

area will be swollen and red. They are associated with a lot of pain and even eating becomes a

gruesome activity. I was advised to use some oral ointment that will relieve the pain and promote

faster healing. At the same time I was asked to have my blood checked for any conditions that

could be associated the oral ulcers. I just hope that I will find relief and I will have this problem

solved.

Peninah Amolo

My little girl, Teresa Achieng, 11years old, has her teeth growing badly. The milk teeth would

not loosen enough to be removed and the next set of permanent teeth were already showing. I

was told by a friend about Dentcare Kenya and I attended their free medical camp. My daughter

was assessed and treated. Two of her lower ‘milk’ teeth were extracted. The dentists said that

her teeth had really long roots and that is why she had that problem. Thank you Dentcare for that

help. I look forward to attending more of your medical camps.

We are very grateful to you for supporting us in our efforts to improve the oral health care of the needy in Kenya.

You are making a huge difference!

With gratitude,

David

Links:

• PATHWAYS Leadership for Progress
• Dentcare Kenya website