Association Between Frequency and Severity of Dental Fluorosis and Molar Incisor Hypomineralization.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the association between the frequency and severity of dental fluorosis (DF) and molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) in a fluoridated salt region.

STUDY

DESIGN

In this retrospective cross-sectional study, we evaluated the buccal, occlusal/incisal, and palatal/lingual surfaces of first permanent molars and permanent incisors of 453 patients aged 13-16 years through intraoral standardized photographs. Two standardized examiners evaluated DF and MIH independently, utilizing the Thylstrup-Fejerskov (TF) index and the MIH index. The statistical analysis was performed using a generalized linear model and logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, and dental caries experience.

RESULTS

The MIH frequency at the surface level was lower in the presence of DF (PR= 0.03; P= 0.00, 95% CI: 0.01-0.08). At the surface level, MIH severity was lower among those presenting mild DF (aOR= 0.02; 95% IC: 0.01-0.07). Regarding severe DF, we found no significant difference in MIH severity (P= 0.174).

CONCLUSION

MIH frequency and severity tend to be lower in the presence of DF.