The double threat: early childhood caries and anemia
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Abstract
Public health addresses two relevant childhood problems: iron- deficiency anemia and dental caries—both highly prevalent conditions, especially in vulnerable populations. Dental caries is the most common preventable disease worldwide in childhood and is the leading cause of pain among children. Some studies show that children with early childhood caries, particularly in moderate or severe forms, tend to have lower hemoglobin levels and a higher risk of anemia. This relationship may be explained by inflammation caused by severe dental infections, pain that interferes with eating, and reduced intake of essential nutrients, including iron. Introduction: This paper presents an analysis of the scientific output produced between 2020 and 2025. Objective. To analyze the literature on the relationship between iron-deficiency anemia and early childhood caries. Methodology: The study was conducted through a systematic review following a methodological process based on the PRISMA guidelines, using multiple sources for data collection, including PubMed, ProQuest, and Google Scholar. The documents were evaluated using selection and quality criteria and subsequently analyzed using qualitative techniques. Results: The findings show that 76% of the studies analyzed report a significant association between early childhood caries and iron deficiency. Although this association appears consistently in the literature, 24% of the authors note that the available evidence does not allow for establishing causality, indicating the need for further longitudinal research. Conclusion: In conclusion, there is a relationship between iron-deficiency anemia and early childhood caries, stemming from the triggering factors that anemia produces in the oral cavity. Moreover, a bidirectional relationship exists, whereby dental caries can also contribute to the development of iron-deficiency anemia. General Area of Study: Medicine. Specific area of study: Dentistry. Type of study: Literature Review
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