Iron Deficiency Anemia and Dental Caries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Health
• Oral Health
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a prevalent nutritional deficiency in children and adolescents.
• Dental caries remains a significant public health issue in pediatric populations worldwide.
• The potential link between IDA and dental caries requires further investigation to inform preventive strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically evaluate the existing evidence on the association between iron deficiency anemia and dental caries in children and adolescents.
• To synthesize findings from relevant studies through meta-analysis to quantify the strength of the association.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted across four international databases up to October 2023.
• Included studies focused on individuals aged 6 months to 18 years, examining the relationship between IDA and dental caries.
• Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale, and quantitative synthesis was performed using random-effects models.

Main Results:

• A total of 1161 studies were identified, with 9 included in the meta-analysis.
• A significant association was found between IDA and dental caries (OR: 3.54, 95% CI: 2.54-4.94).
• Individuals with IDA exhibited a higher rate of dental caries (MD: 1.96, 95% CI: 1.07-2.85), though the certainty of evidence was rated as very low.

Conclusions:

• The study indicates a significant association between iron deficiency anemia and dental caries in children and adolescents.
• Results should be interpreted with caution due to the methodological limitations and very low certainty of evidence.
• Integrating oral health strategies into anemia control programs is recommended, emphasizing the need for high-quality research.