Endemic Molar Incisor Hypomineralization: a Pandemic Problem That Requires Monitoring by the Entire Health Care Community

Abstract

Purpose of review: This review brings a major, previously under-recognized dental and general health problem to the attention of the medical and scientific community. The goals are to help clinicians make early diagnoses, thereby improving treatment outcomes, and to stimulate increasing research efforts to understand the etiology and ultimately prevention.

Recent findings: There are two recent systematic reviews of molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH). One reveals the global burden of the condition; mean global prevalence is 13% with 878 million people affected, with 4.8 million cases per year requiring treatment. The review into etiology found a lack of definitive knowledge, but that it is likely to be multifactorial, with childhood illness including fever possibly implicated. The review presents details of MIH sufficient to enable clinicians to recognize it and understand its impact on affected children, its management, and the importance of early intervention. Much further research is needed.

Keywords: Etiology; Global burden; Molar hypomineralization; Molar incisor hypomineralization; Orthodontics; Pediatric dentistry.