Abstract

Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) is a qualitative enamel defect affecting first permanent molars often involving incisors. It presents clinical challenges including hypersensitivity, rapid caries, and restorative difficulties. Though its etiology is unclear, systemic and environmental factors have been implicated. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of MIH and to assess the risk factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted on children aged 6–12 years in İzmir, Türkiye. Among 700 children examined, 50 diagnosed with MIH were included in the case group, while 50 healthy children formed the control group. Parental interviews assessed sociodemographic, prenatal, perinatal, postnatal factor. Biochemical parameters were analyzed appropriate statistical tests. MIH prevalence was 12% and 76% had severe defects (MIH-2), and 24% had mild opacities (MIH-1). Significant associations were observed with socioeconomic status, maternal employment, birth weight, antibiotic use and respiratory infections (p < 0.005). Exclusive breastfeeding duration was longer in controls (p = 0.020). MIH is a multifactorial condition influenced by systemic and environmental factors. Early diagnosis and prevention are essential. Longer breastfeeding duration may offer a protective effect. Larger longitudinal studies are needed to better understand associated factor of MIH.

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.

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.

Abstract

Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) is a widespread developmental enamel defect impacting children globally, with a multifactorial etiology that remains incompletely understood. Its rising prevalence presents significant challenges to oral health and quality of life. This study examines both perinatal and postnatal risk factors associated with MIH in a pediatric population. This case-control study involved 426 children aged 6–12 years, with 213 diagnosed with MIH and 213 healthy controls, recruited from a university dental clinic and local schools in Arak City, Iran. Parents completed a validated 48-item checklist covering perinatal factors (e.g., delivery mode, preterm birth) and postnatal factors (birth to 3 years, e.g., feeding practices, illnesses, medication use). MIH was diagnosed using the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry criteria. Data were analyzed using chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression to identify risk factors, with a significance level of 5%. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained. Vaginal delivery (42.9% vs. 62.9%, p = 0.004) was protective against MIH (OR = 0.54, p = 0.037), reducing odds by 46%, while preterm birth (18.1% vs. 8.6%, p = 0.048) showed a modest association. Frequent analgesic use (65.7% vs. 57.4%, p = 0.034) and recurrent diarrhea (37.0% vs. 32.4%, p = 0.033) were more prevalent in the MIH group, though effects were weak. Although a history of chickenpox was more frequent in the MIH group (31.5% vs. 17.6%, p = 0.058 in univariate analysis), multivariate logistic regression, adjusting for confounders, showed that children with a chickenpox history had lower MIH risk (OR = 2.12 for absence of chickenpox, p = 0.040). Vitamin D deficiency (6.5% vs. 8.3%, p = 0.829) and breastfeeding < 6 months (4.6% vs. 8.3%, p = 0.700) showed no clear link. Hypoxia at birth (6.7% vs. 3.8%, p = 0.353) and high fever (9.3% vs. 7.4%, p = 0.953) were not associated with MIH. Vaginal delivery and chickenpox history emerged as protective factors against MIH, while preterm birth, analgesic use, and diarrhea showed modest associations. These findings underscore MIH’s complex etiology, with regional variations suggesting diverse influences. Further longitudinal research is needed to validate these relationships and guide targeted prevention strategies.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES This cross-sectional observational study determined the prevalence and factors associated with molar-incisive hypomineralization (MIH) in quilombola children and adolescents in north-eastern Brazil. METHODS The sample consisted of 251 children and adolescents (8 to 14 years old) living in the rural quilombola community Lagoas in São Raimundo Nonato, Piauí (census population). Sociodemographic and health-related data were collected from pre-, peri- and post-natal health records and a clinical examination for MIH diagnosis was performed by four previously trained and calibrated examiners. Descriptive data analysis and Poisson regression were performed. The magnitude of the association was determined by adjusted prevalence ratio (PR) and confidence intervals (95% CI). RESULTS The prevalence of MIH was 46.6%. The presence of MIH was associated with gestational diabetes (PR = 2.49, 95% CI 2.08-2.99; p <0.001) and acute foetal distress (PR = 1.39; 95% CI 1.04-1.86; p = 0.025). CONCLUSION It was concluded that the prevalence of MIH in the quilombola community was high and associated with gestational diabetes and acute foetal distress.

Abstract

Molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is a common condition among children that significantly increases the risk of caries. The objective of this research was to evaluate the clinical success of giomer- and conventional resin-based sealants applied on first permanent molars (FPMs) affected by MIH. One-hundred FPMs with MIH which were indicated for non-invasive fissure sealant were selected in 39 children, aged 6–12 years. Using a split mouth design, the FPMs were randomized into two groups; Group 1. Resin sealant (etch-and-rinse + Conceal F) and Group 2. Giomer sealant (self-etch primer + BeautiSealant). Clinical evaluation was performed using the modified United States Public Health Service (USPHS) criteria at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. The Log-rank, Fisher’s exact test and Kaplan–Meier analysis were used for statistical analysis. At 12 months, the retention rates in Group 1 and Group 2 were 68% and %8, respectively (p = 0.000). The cumulative survival rates of conventional resin sealants were significantly higher than giomer sealants for all follow-up visits (p < 0.05). In Groups 1 and 2, the distribution of unsuccessful sealants on mandibular vs maxillary FPMs were 32.1% vs 31.8% (p = 0.612) and 91.7% vs 92.3% (p = 0.664), respectively. Although the success rate was higher for teeth with white opacities or lesions with less extension in Group 1, no significant difference was found. The average survival time was found as 10.46 ± 3.21 months in Group 1 and 4.02 ± 4.43 months in Group 2. The conventional resin-based sealants yielded a better clinical performance over the 12-month evaluation period than the giomer sealants which were applied with self-etch primer. The high failure rate observed in giomer sealants could be explained by the possible deficiency in the etching capacity of self-etch primer on MIH-affected teeth. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04929782. Registered 10 June 2021—Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04929782.