Prevalence of molar incisor hypomineralization and demands for treatment according to the severity of its clinical manifestation.

AIM

Assess the prevalence and severity of molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) in children 6- to 12-year-old and correlate MIH severity with the complexity of treatment demands.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between March and October 2023, 2,136 children were screened for MIH by two calibrated examiners. MIH severity was categorized in mild, moderate, severe, and very severe. Treatment requirements were categorized in basic, intermediate, and complex.

RESULTS

The prevalence of MIH was 15.5% (n = 331), 158 (47.7%) mild/moderate and 173 (52.3%) severe/very severe. Among the 126 children with atypical caries/restoration, cusp involvement was observed in 60.3%, endodontic treatment was necessary in 24.6%, only 15% needed restorations limited to two tooth surfaces with no cusp involvement. Extraction due to MIH was observed in 2.7%.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of MIH was in accordance with previous literature. Whenever a restorative treatment was necessary, it often involved multiple tooth surfaces and cusps. The complexity of treatment demands increased with age. It is necessary that oral health policymakers pay special attention to children with MIH to ensure appropriate treatment.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

MIH represents a challenge, especially severe cases with enamel post-eruptive breakdown and caries, requiring extensive restorations. MIH prevalence was assessed in a considerable large sample and the correlation between MIH severity and the complexity of treatment demands was analyzed. More than half of children exhibiting atypical caries/restorations required complex restorative treatment, involving multiple tooth surfaces and cusps. The manuscript prompts a reflection on the importance of evaluating whether the restoration will extend to cusp areas before determining the appropriate technique and material for treatment.