International Journal Of Biology and Biological Sciences Vol. 4(3), pp. 032-036, December 2015 ISSN 2327-3062 ©2015 Academe Research Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Iron deficiency anemia and oral health prospective - A review

Gaurav Goyal

Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Genesis Institute of Dental Sciences and Research, Ferozepur, Punjab, India. E-mail: dr.gaurav867@gmail.com. Tel: +91-9815064522.

Accepted 14 April, 2014

Abstract

According to the World Health Organization, a normal hemoglobin level for an adult male is around 13.8 g/dl and for an adult woman is around 12.1 g/dl. When the hemoglobin level in the blood is below the lower extreme of the normal range for the age and sex of the individual, anemia is said to be present. Anemia is not a diagnosis; it is a symptom of some underlying condition or health even. Anemia is a global public health problem affecting both developing and developed countries with major consequences for human health as well as social and economic development. It occurs at all stages of the life cycle, but is more prevalent in pregnant women and young children. Of significance is the fact that India is among the countries with highest prevalence of anemia in the world. India has a population of more than a billion. As such, the country accounts for the largest number of anemic persons in the world. Overall, India contributes to about 50% of global maternal deaths due to anemia. The present review is an attempt to provide an overview of etiology, signs and symptoms of various types of anemias with emphasis on the oral manifestations, and their influence on the treatment plan of the dental health professional.

Key words: Anemia, hemoglobin level, symptom, India.