Research Question

What are the knowledge, attitudes, and information needs of parents and caregivers regarding molar incisor hypomineralization in community settings?

Gaida Malkawi
Created at May 20, 2026

AI Novelty Assessment

7/10

High Novelty

This research question explores a largely uncharted area with significant potential for new discoveries.

Detailed Analysis

Parent/caregiver knowledge and information needs are known but not comprehensively mapped across community settings. The question is moderately novel because it targets public communication and care-seeking behavior.

Related Academic Papers

8 papers found relevant to this research question. Each paper is scored by how closely it relates to the question.

8/10Relevance
34 citations

Why this paper is relevant

Parents' impact perceptions provide insight into caregiver burden and awareness.

Impact of Molar Incisor Hypomineralization on Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Mexican Schoolchildren.

Teresa Villanueva Gutierrez, Cecilia Carlota Barrera Ortega, N. P. Pérez, Alvaro García Pérez (2019)

8/10Relevance
51 citations

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the impact of Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) in the OHRQoL in a group of 8 to 10 year-old Mexican schoolchildren. Study design: A cross-sectional study of 411 8 to 10 year-old schoolchildren selected from public schools in Naucalpan, in the State of Mexico. The presence and severity of MIH was evaluated using the European Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (EAPD) criteria. The OHRQoL was evaluated using the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ). Poisson regression models were performed for the analysis. Results: The prevalence of MIH in the permanent dentition was 40.4%. High scores were found in the four domains of the CPQ for children with MIH compared to children without MIH (p<0.001). In the Poisson model, a greater negative impact in the four CPQ domains was found for schoolchildren with MIH: oral symptoms [RR=1.75 (CI95% 1.63-1.78)]; functional limitations [RR=2.17 (CI95% 2.01-2.35)]; emotional wellbeing [RR=1.94 (CI95% 1.80-2.08)]; and, social well-being [RR=2.62 (CI95% 2.49-2.77)]. A greater impact on the four CPQ domains were found for children with moderate/severe MIH compared to children without MIH (p<0.001). Conclusion: Children with moderate/severe MIH experienced a greater negative impact on their OHRQoL compared to children without MIH.

Why this paper is relevant

Schoolchildren OHRQoL study supports family-perceived burden.

MIH and Cavities as Markers of Oral Health Inequality in Children from Southwest Andalusia (Spain)

Leidy Bech Barcaz, D. Ribas-Pérez, Paloma Villalva Hernandez-Franch, Luis El Khoury-Moreno, Julio Torrejón-Martínez, A. Castaño-Séiquer (2025)

7/10Relevance
2 citations

Abstract

Introduction: Dental caries and molar–incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) are prevalent conditions affecting children’s oral health, with functional, aesthetic, and psychosocial implications. In Spain, previous studies have highlighted geographic and sociodemographic disparities in their distribution, particularly among rural and migrant populations. Objective: To characterise oral health status, in terms of caries and MIH, among 6–7-year-old children from the towns of Palos de la Frontera, Mazagón, and San Bartolomé. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 229 children recruited from public primary schools. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, and behavioural data were collected through clinical examination and interview. Statistical analysis included univariate and multivariate logistic regression. The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Huelva. Results: The prevalence of caries (DMFT ≥ 1) was 53.3%, with mean DMFT and dft indices of 1.78 and 0.31, respectively. MIH affected 32.8% of the cohort, with a predominance in the first permanent molars (teeth 36 and 26). Multivariate analysis identified independent predictors of caries: African (OR = 7.47; 95% CI: 2.84–23.8) and European (OR = 4.56; 95% CI: 1.26–22.3) parental origin, poor oral hygiene (OR = 3.07; 95% CI: 1.60–6.03), and the presence of MIH (OR = 3.20; 95% CI: 1.64–6.42). The municipality of San Bartolomé was associated with a higher risk of MIH (OR = 2.90; 95% CI: 1.21–7.45). Conclusions: The high prevalence of caries and MIH in the Condado-Campiña district, exceeding national averages, reflects oral health inequities linked to social determinants (migrant origin, locality) and clinical factors (MIH, oral hygiene). Targeted preventive interventions are urgently needed in high-risk populations, including culturally tailored education and policies ensuring equitable access to dental care services.

Why this paper is relevant

Inequality marker study relevant to awareness in vulnerable communities.

Impact of molar incisor hypomineralization on oral health–related quality of life in 8–10-year-old children

Taneeya Joshi, Alexander Rahman, Sabine Rienhoff, Jan Rienhoff, Tanja Stamm, Katrin Bekes (2021)

7/10Relevance
44 citations

Abstract

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:sec><jats:title>Objectives</jats:title><jats:p>The aim of this study was to compare oral health–related quality of life (OHRQoL) in children with and without molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) and to assess the impact of severity of MIH on OHRQoL in children between 8–10 years using the German version of the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ-G8-10).</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Materials and methods</jats:title><jats:p>Children aged 8–10 years were recruited at a pediatric dental clinic in Hannover, Germany. Half of them were affected by MIH. Participants were evaluated for presence and severity of MIH (MIH-TNI), plaque and dental caries status. Children were asked to answer the CPQ-G8-10. Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism-software version 8.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Results</jats:title><jats:p>One hundred eighty-eight children (mean age 8.80 [± 0.84]; 43.10% female) were included in the study with 94 children having MIH. CPQ-G8-10 mean scores in MIH-affected children were significantly higher than in children showing no MIH (13.87 [± 8.91] vs. 4.20 [± 3.74];<jats:italic>p</jats:italic> &lt; 0.0001) showing that MIH has negative impact OHRQoL. Similar trends were seen in all four subdomains. Regarding severity, CPQ-G8-10 mean scores increased from mild to severe forms of MIH.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Conclusion</jats:title><jats:p>Children affected by MIH show an impaired OHRQoL compared to children without MIH; with increasing severity, OHRQoL gets more impaired.</jats:p><jats:p><jats:bold>Clinical relevance</jats:bold></jats:p><jats:p>To understand the patient’s perception and the individual oral health needs will help to prioritize MIH and recognize its impact.</jats:p></jats:sec>

Why this paper is relevant

Quality-of-life measures can be paired with caregiver awareness work.

7/10Relevance
0 citations

Abstract

Background: Molar Incisor Hypomineralisation (MIH) is an important public health problem, especially in pediatric dentistry. This study aimed to evaluate the attitudes and behavior of pediatric dentists in Turkey about MIH diagnosis and treatment. Methods: The study included a total of 305 pediatric dentists in Turkey. A 28-item questionnaire was distributed to the study participants via social media. The questionnaire consisted of two sections, the first section elicited the sociodemographic data of the participants, and the second section assessed attitudes, behaviors and clinical experiences related to MIH. The data were collected and then analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis and a chi-square test. Results: Concisely, the participants were 85% females and 15% males. Of these, 53.4% were pediatric dentists, 39.4% were specializing in pediatric dentistry, and 7.2% were doctoral students. For post-eruptive breakdown (PEB) treatment, 84.6%preferred stainless steel crowns. Conclusions: The study results showed that although Turkish pediatric dentists were familiar with MIH, they wished to have more information about the treatment of MIH and the management of clinical problems.

Why this paper is relevant

Pediatric dentists' perspectives can be linked to parent counseling gaps.

Prevalence of molar incisor hypomineralisation and associated factors amongst 8-year-olds in Ireland

S. Nic Ghearailt, N. Coffey, M. Harding, H. Whelton, M. Cronin, P. James (2025)

7/10Relevance
1 citations

Abstract

To describe the prevalence of molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) and a selection of potentially associated factors amongst 8-year-olds in Ireland. This study reports cross-sectional data from the Fluoride and Caring for Children’s Teeth (FACCT) study 2017. Eight-year-olds in Dublin (n = 786) and Cork-Kerry (n = 1524) were clinically examined for MIH (EAPD criteria) and dental caries (DMFT). The association between potential aetiological factors and MIH was assessed using multivariable logistic regression. Potential effects of MIH on dental caries, oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and parental perceptions of the appearance of their child’s permanent incisors were investigated. MIH prevalence was 11% in Dublin and 9% in Cork-Kerry. In Dublin, prevalence of MIH was higher amongst children who had health problems in the past year. There was no association between community water fluoridation and MIH in Cork-Kerry. In both regions, dental caries was higher amongst children with MIH. Parents of children with MIH in Dublin and Cork-Kerry were more likely to have noticed marks on their child’s permanent incisors. In Dublin, MIH was associated with poorer parent-reported OHRQoL. Parents of children with MIH in Cork-Kerry were less likely to be satisfied with the colour of their child’s permanent incisors. MIH prevalence was 9–11%. The association between MIH and dental caries suggests that MIH severity in Ireland may be high. There is an urgent need for national data on MIH prevalence and severity, early identification of children with MIH and provision of preventive and treatment services in line with international best practise.

Why this paper is relevant

Population factors can inform caregiver awareness needs.

7/10Relevance
0 citations

Abstract

Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) are first molars with developmental enamel defects and are common findings in many child populations. The porous nature of MIH enamel and the presence of post-eruptive enamel breakdown leads to the presence of hypersensitivity and pain, which is often the patient’s main complaint and can result in dental fear and affect the quality of life. The present review aims to summarise the evidence for the ability of MIH to cause problems, such as dental fear and anxiety (DFA) and to summarise the evidence for a possibly negative impact on the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of MIH affected children and adolescents, in a systematic review. Two searches, (1) MIH AND dental anxiety and (2) MIH AND Quality of life, were performed in MEDLINE/PubMed and Scopus. Selection demands were fulfilling the MIH diagnosis criteria using validated instruments and questionnaires for assessing DFA and OHRQoL, respectively. After removing duplicates and articles not fulfilling the selection demands, 6 studies concerning MIH and DFA and 8 studies concerning MIH and OHRQoL remained. Children and adolescents with diagnosed MIH did not seem to suffer from increased dental fear and anxiety, but indicated an impaired oral health-related quality of life.

Why this paper is relevant

Evidence on child impact helps define what caregivers should be told.

6/10Relevance
2 citations

Abstract

The internet is increasingly used to seek health information. A dental condition of increasing concern and public interest is molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH), why we evaluated the information quality of German dentists ‘websites on the topic of MIH. A systematic search was performed by two independent investigators using three search engines. The information content of websites on MIH and technical, functional aspects, overall quality, and risk of bias were assessed using validated instruments (LIDA, DISCERN). Practice-related characteristics (practice type, specialization, setting, number and mean age of dentists) were recorded, and associations of these characteristics with websites’ overall quality were explored using multivariable linear regression modelling. 70 sites were included. 52% were multipractices in urban areas (49%). The most common age group was middle-aged individuals (41–50 years). The average number of dentists/practice was 2.5. The majority met more than 50% of the DISCERN and LIDA criteria (90%, 91%). The MIH definition was frequently used (67%), MIH symptoms were described (64%), and 58% mentioned therapies. The prevalence of MIH was mentioned less frequently (48%). MIH example photographs were rarely shown (14%). In multivariable analysis, most practice-related factors were not significant for overall site quality. Only chain practices had slightly higher quality in this regard (2.2; 95% CI of 0.3–4.1). MIH is mentioned on a large proportion of dentists’ websites. Overall technical, functional, and generic quality was high. Risk of bias is limited. While most websites provided a basic definition of MIH and its symptoms, important information for patients was missing.

Why this paper is relevant

Information quality on websites reflects public-facing knowledge needs.

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