Association between Molar Incisor Hypomineralization in Schoolchildren and Both Prenatal and Postnatal Factors: A Population-Based Study

Abstract

BackgroundAlthough studies throughout the world have investigated potential factors involved in the occurrence of molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH), the findings are varied and inconclusive.ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of MIH and identify associated prenatal, perinatal and postnatal factors among Brazilian schoolchildren aged 8 and 9 years.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted with a randomly selected population-based sample of 1181 schoolchildren. Information on demographic and socioeconomic characteristics as well as prenatal, perinatal and postnatal aspects was obtained through questionnaires. The clinical examination included the investigation of MIH based on the criteria of the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry. Dental caries in the permanent dentition and developmental defects of enamel (DDE) on the primary second molars were also recorded. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, bivariate tests and Poisson regression with robust variance.ResultsThe prevalence of MIH was 20.4%. MIH was more frequent among children with dental caries in the permanent dentition (PR: 2.67; 95% CI: 1.98–3.61), those with DDE on the primary second molars (PR: 2.54; 95% CI: 1.87–3.45) and those who experienced asthma/bronchitis in the first four years of life (PR: 1.93; 95% CI: 1.45–2.56).ConclusionsThe prevalence of MIH was high and was associated with dental caries, the presence of DDE on primary second molars and the experience of asthma/bronchitis in early life. These findings could be useful in the identification of children in need of shorter recall intervals to prevent the consequences of MIH, such as enamel breakdown dental caries.

Differential diagnoses of enamel hypomineralisation in an archaeological context: A postmedieval skeletal collection reassessment

“…Researchers agree that the aetiology is most likely multifactorial and occurs between the third trimester of pregnancy and the child's first year of life due to the mineralisation period of the first permanent molar (Alaluusua, ; Crombie et al, ; Jeremias et al, ). Several dozen hypotheses have been cited, some are contemporary (e.g., antibiotics [Ghanim et al, ; Laisi et al, ; Serna et al, ; Whatling & Fearne, ; Wogelius et al, ] or environmental pollutants [Jedeon et al, ; Laisi et al, ]), others have existed through time (e.g., peripartum problems [Garot, Manton, et al, ; Tourino et al, ], episodes of fever, or childhood diseases [Silva et al, ; Tourino et al, ]) without excluding a genetic predisposition (Jeremias et al, ; Kuhnisch et al, ; Vieira & Kup, ).…”

“…Moreover, currently, in the absence of identified cause(s), no risk prevention actions can be implemented (Silva, Scurrah, Craig, Manton, & Kilpatrick, ). In the past few decades, modern life factors have been postulated as aetiological factors (environmental pollutants; Jedeon et al, ; Laisi, Kiviranta, Lukinmaa, Vartiainen, & Alaluusua, ) and medications (Ghanim, Manton, Bailey, Marino, & Morgan, ; Laisi et al, ; Serna, Vicente, Finke, & Ortiz, ; Whatling & Fearne, ; Wogelius et al, ) or general factors (childhood disease [Silva et al, ; Tourino et al, ], hypoxia during birth [Garot, Manton, & Rouas, ; Tourino et al, ], and a genetic predisposition [Jeremias et al, ; Kuhnisch et al, ; Vieira & Kup, ]). However, aetiology of MIH is still unclear due to the multiplicity of causes and the nature of the majority of studies that are retrospective (Alaluusua, ; Crombie, Manton, & Kilpatrick, ).…”

Dental hypomineralization treatment: A systematic review

“…The most frequently suggested factors are neonatal problems (prematurity and/or low birth weight), early childhood illnesses (asthma or bronchitis), fever, hospitalization, oxygenation without intubation, and antibiotic therapy. Some authors have suggested a genetic‐based etiology . The prevalence of MIH in children and adolescents varies among different studies, with reported values between 2.8% and 40% .…”

“…Some authors have suggested a genetic-based etiology. [11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18] The prevalence of MIH in children and adolescents varies among different studies, with reported values between 2.8% and 40%. 19 Clinically, MIH is characterized by variablesized opacities, with a white to yellow/brownish staining and a defined demarcation between healthy and affected enamel.…”

Factors associated with molar–incisor hypomineralisation in schoolchildren aged 8–10 years: a case–control study

“…The MIH prevalence in the Brazil was 18.4% and 20.4% and around the world was 2.4% to 40.2%. To verify the prevalence of MIH to develop strategies for diagnosis, treatment of teeth with MIH is important, as it helps to develop strategies of dental care that are more appropriate for these children.…”