Prevalence of molar incisor hypomineralization among 8-10-year-old schoolchildren in Ludhiana, India.

INTRODUCTION

Molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is a defect of enamel of systemic origin that leads to the formation of weak enamel prone to decay and enamel breakdown. This condition is associated with functional, esthetic, and psychological problems for children affecting their oral health-related quality of life.

OBJECTIVES

To estimate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of MIH among 8-10-year-old children in Ludhiana city.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A total of 1834 children aged 8-10 years were randomly selected from the government and private schools across the city. A single trained and calibrated examiner conducted oral examination in school using the European Academy of Pediatric Dentistry criteria to record the characteristics of MIH in children.

RESULTS

The pooled prevalence rate of MIH was 7.2% in Ludhiana city. The most prevalent clinical manifestation of MIH was yellow-brown demarcated opacities, followed by white-creamy opacities, posteruptive enamel breakdown, and atypical caries. Anterior teeth mostly showed mild defects affecting esthetics, while posterior teeth exhibited severe forms affecting function. Severity increased with the extent of surface involvement.

CONCLUSION

Given the relatively high prevalence of MIH and its impact on oral health, including increased caries susceptibility, challenging management, and a diminished quality of life, this study recommends that clinicians be vigilant in the early identification and management of MIH.