Salivary changes associated with Hypomineralized Second Primary Molars (HSPM) and Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH): An early study.

AIM: To evaluate the associated factors and salivary changes in children with and without Hypomineralized Second Primary Molars (HSPM) or Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH).

METHODS

The study included forty-five children (aged 2-11 years), divided into three groups (n = 15 each): control, HSPM, and MIH, according to the classification of the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry. A questionnaire was used to collect data on systemic conditions during pregnancy and the first three years of life. Saliva samples were collected using Salivette® and analyzed for flow rate, pH, buffering capacity, calcium, phosphate, fluoride, protein concentration, amylase activity, total oxidative capacity (TOC), lipid peroxidation, total antioxidant capacity, and uric acid (UA). For the analysis of demarcated opacities and defect extent, the HSPM and MIH groups were combined.

RESULTS

MIH children were older than others. Prolonged labor and first-year fever were lower in the HSPM and MIH group than in the control group. Salivary analyses revealed increased calcium and reduced phosphate in MIH, while HSPM exhibited lower protein levels and higher TOC. Both HSPM and MIH exhibited elevated UA concentrations. Demarcated opacities were associated with lower protein concentration and higher lipid peroxidation, TOC and UA and antioxidant activity.

CONCLUSION

HSPM and MIH are enamel formation defects associated with preliminary alterations in salivary biochemical parameters. These findings provide early evidence that salivary biomarkers may reflect underlying changes in enamel hypomineralization, supporting future studies aimed at improving diagnosis and preventive care.