Why It All Began
At Tabasamu Mtoto Organization, we believe every child deserves a confident smile and the good health that comes with it. Our journey began with a deep understanding of the hidden crisis affecting children in Kenya’s Rift Valley, excessive fluoride in drinking water leading to dental fluorosis.
This condition doesn’t just stain teeth, it stains confidence. Dental fluorosis, often misunderstood or dismissed, causes deep emotional and psychological scars for children. Many suffer silently from teasing, bullying, and social exclusion due to their appearance. These mental hurdles, shame, embarrassment, and low self-esteem can deeply affect a child’s ability to thrive in school, form friendships, and dream big. That’s why at Tabasamu Mtoto, we don't just treat oral health, we nurture self-worth and restore dignity.
We work directly with schools, healthcare professionals, and communities to provide dental treatment, oral hygiene education, and clean water solutions. Our approach combines practical support like toothbrushes, bonding treatments, and educational flashcards with long-term strategies designed to empower both hearts and smiles.
As part of our long-term solutions, we are committed to installing water purification machines at distribution points at the county level as well as in schools to help reduce excessive fluoride exposure in drinking water. We also plan to work on integrating oral health training into school club programs across the country. These clubs will serve as safe spaces for learning, leadership, and open dialogue about self-esteem and oral health, helping children not only care for their teeth but also speak confidently about their experiences without shame.
At Tabasamu Mtoto, we’re not just restoring smiles, we’re restoring courage, confidence, and community. One child at a time.