Molar incisor hypomineralization: a study of aetiological factors in a group of UK children.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives were to investigate the aetiology of molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH), and to discuss previously published studies.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

One hundred and nine children attending the Department of Paediatric Dentistry at the Royal London Hospital were included in the study: 57 children with MIH and 52 controls. Their mothers completed a medical history interview.

RESULTS

No significant associations were found with MIH and delivery and birth complications, breastfeeding, immunization history, other illnesses and allergies, general anaesthetics, fluoride history, and trauma or abscesses affecting the primary predecessors. A family history of enamel defects was more commonly reported for MIH children, but the association was not statistically significant. However, MIH was significantly more common among those whose mothers had experienced problems during pregnancy (P = 0.025), those who had chickenpox between the ages of 3 and 3.99 (P = 0.047), and those for whom amoxycillin was the only antibiotic they had received (P = 0.028).

CONCLUSIONS

The aetiology of MIH remains unclear, and this study questions whether it is because of a lone aetiological insult. This study recommends further research looking at the links with chickenpox occurring around the third year of life and amoxycillin.