DENTAL SIGNS OF ANEMIA: AN ALGORITHM FOR INTERACTION BETWEEN A FAMILY DOCTOR AND A DENTIST

Anemia is one of the most common hematopoietic system disorders, significantly impacting both overall health and oral health. The most common dental signs of this disease include pronounced pallor of the mucous membranes, atrophic glossitis, cracks at the corners of the mouth, bleeding gums, and delayed wound healing after surgical interventions. These clinical manifestations often precede a systemic diagnosis, emphasizing the importance of dentistry in early detection. Effective diagnosis and management of such patients requires close collaboration between the family doctor and dentist, ensuring timely differential diagnosis and optimal treatment. This paper summarizes current knowledge on the characteristic oral symptoms of iron deficiency, megaloblastic, and aplastic anemia and presents an algorithm for interdisciplinary collaboration. A practical patient flow chart is proposed, from the initial examination in a dental office to comprehensive care under the supervision of a family physician. Diagnostic challenges, the role of laboratory testing, and preventive approaches aimed at reducing the likelihood of complications are also discussed. The need for systemic integration of dental and therapeutic care in modern medicine is emphasized.