Case Report
Effects of iron deficiency anemia on the oral cavity during SPT: A case report
2026 Volume 68 Issue 2 Pages 95-105
Details
2026 Volume 68 Issue 2 Pages 95-105
This report describes a case in which the periodontal tissues remained stable following initial periodontal therapy and subsequent supportive periodontal therapy (SPT), but the intraoral and systemic changes eventually led to iron deficiency anemia.
The patient was a 28-year-old woman who presented with the chief complaint of concern about periodontal disease. She was diagnosed as having chronic periodontitis, received initial periodontal therapy, and was transitioned to SPT. Approximately 12 years after the start of SPT, she developed multiple new carious lesions and experienced repeated crown fractures. A detailed medical interview revealed pagophagia and excessive consumption of throat lozenges. Pallor of the palpebral conjunctiva, easy fatigability, and a history of menorrhagia raised the suspicion of iron deficiency anemia. The patient was advised to seek medical evaluation and was subsequently diagnosed by an internist as having iron deficiency anemia. Oral iron supplementation led to improvement in the hematologic indices and resolution of pagophagia. Following treatment, no further caries or crown fractures were observed, and the oral condition of the patient stabilized.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the patient's medical follow-up was interrupted, and the iron deficiency anemia recurred. After resumption of treatment, her hematologic parameters improved again, and her periodontal condition has remained stable since.
This case underscores the importance of continuous monitoring and comprehensive history-taking during SPT, particularly in the context of women's life stages, which may influence systemic health. Furthermore, the case highlights the importance of close collaboration between dental and medical professionals as systemic conditions may contribute to oral manifestations. Early recognition of systemic disease through dental examinations and timely medical referral can play a critical role in maintaining both oral and overall health.
