Prevalence of molar incisor hypomineralization and characteristics of affected first permanent and second primary molars among children in Jeddah

Abstract

Background: Molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) results in teeth that are highly prone to dental caries, sensitive to temperature changes and challenging to restore due to the atypical cavities or coronal deformation.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of MIH, the characteristics of affected first permanent molars (FPMs), and the relationship between MIH and hypomineralized second primary molars (HSPM) among primary school children in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Methods: Jeddah City was divided into three regions, and 12-schools were randomly selected through stratified sampling. The inclusion criteria involved 7 to 9 years old children who had at least one erupted FPM. The caries status was assessed using the World Health Organization (WHO) indices dmft/DMFT. The assessment of MIH was conducted based on the criteria established by the European Academy of Pediatric Dentistry at their meeting in Athens in 2003.

Results: A total of 2,019 children participated with an MIH prevalence of MIH 18.3% (369 patients), and an HSPM prevalence of 1.8% (36 patients). The mean DMFT/dmft index was 5.99 ± 4.08. White creamy opacities were the most common presentation of FPMs and HSPM (about 80% of MIH-affected FPMs). A statistically significant association was found between MIH and HSPM and increased odds ratio of MIH with HSPM (P < 0.001, OR = 5.96, and 95% CI: 5.3-6.57).

Conclusion: The prevalence of MIH was higher than compared to the reported Middle East studies. The white creamy opacities were the most common presentations of MIH. A strong association existed between MIH and HSPM and an increased risk of having MIH when the child was found to have HSPM.

Keywords: HSPM; Jeddah; Molar incisor hypomineralization; Prevalence; Primary molar; Saudi Arabia.