Xerostomia is a dental finding in thalassemia associated with which condition?

• A. Dark coloured gingiva
• B. Mucosal pallor
• C. High caries index
• D. Xerostomia

Answer: (D)

Xerostomia is a dental finding in thalassemia because dry mouth often accompanies the management of the condition, particularly with iron chelation therapy and the overall chronic illness. Reduced salivary flow removes the mouth’s natural cleansing and buffering actions, which increases risk for dental caries, mucosal irritation, and discomfort. While pallor of the mucosa reflects underlying anemia and dark gingiva can reflect iron deposition in tissues, these are more about systemic changes rather than a direct dental finding. A high caries index can occur as a consequence of xerostomia, but the dryness of the mouth itself is the primary dental sign linked to thalassemia in this context.