Managing Dental Fluorosis: Traditional Healer versus Clinic Approaches - Abstract
Dental fluorosis is a major dental concern in many areas in the world with its associated aesthetic and occlusal problems due to cracking of the affected teeth. The present case report details a 14 year-old girl, with moderate fluorosis and who sought treatment of the discolouration associated with the fluorosis from a herbalist. At the end of the treatment, her aesthetics was not just poorer, but there was also severe dental sensitivity emanating from her upper anterior teeth. As a result, she sought treatment at a local dental clinic, where the damage was successfully repaired with good aesthetic results and complete elimination of dental sensitivity. The case study amplifies the imperative need for oral health education to the general population, and in particular, increased knowledge on aetiology, consequences and proper managment of dental fluorosis.