Which dental finding is associated with decreased haemoglobin in thalassemia?

Which dental finding is associated with decreased haemoglobin in thalassemia?

• A. Class II malocclusion
• B. High caries index
• C. Dark coloured gingiva
• D. Mucosal pallor, atrophic glossitis

Answer: (D)

Low hemoglobin in thalassemia reduces the blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity, so the oral tissues, especially the mucosa, become pale. Mucosal pallor is a classic sign of anemia seen in the mouth and is often the most noticeable dental finding. In chronic anemia, the tongue can develop atrophic glossitis, where the surface loses its papillae and appears smooth and red, reflecting compromised mucosal health. The other options don’t reflect changes caused by reduced Hb in thalassemia—occlusion types, higher caries risk, or dark-tinged gingiva are not direct markers of anemia.

Low hemoglobin in thalassemia reduces the blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity, so the oral tissues, especially the mucosa, become pale. Mucosal pallor is a classic sign of anemia seen in the mouth and is often the most noticeable dental finding. In chronic anemia, the tongue can develop atrophic glossitis, where the surface loses its papillae and appears smooth and red, reflecting compromised mucosal health. The other options don’t reflect changes caused by reduced Hb in thalassemia—occlusion types, higher caries risk, or dark-tinged gingiva are not direct markers of anemia.