Molar incisor hypomineralization: results of the 6th German Oral Health Study (DMS • 6).

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) in Germany. A secondary goal was to analyze a possible connection between MIH and caries, as well as to investigate the influence of MIH on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL).

METHOD AND MATERIALS: All younger adolescents (12-year-olds) from the 6th German Oral Health Study (DMS • 6) were examined for MIH according to the criteria of the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (EAPD). The caries experience and OHRQoL were also determined.

RESULTS

In total, 922 younger adolescents were included in the analysis. The prevalence of MIH was 15.3%; 63.3% of cases were mild forms; 8.2% of affected subjects had a caries experience. OHRQoL did not vary significantly between healthy and MIH-affected children.

CONCLUSION

In Germany, every seventh child aged 12 years old suffers from MIH. These data on MIH in younger adolescents in Germany conform to data from regional studies; the prevalence is in the upper middle range in an international comparison.