The association between molar incisor hypomineralization and oral health-related quality of life: a cross-sectional study.

K Elhennawy,K Bekes,V Wiedemann,I Sierwald,O Rajjoub,R Hamad,M.-S Doueiri,P.-G Jost-Brinkmann,D R Reissmann

doi:10.1007/s00784-022-04375-3

Abstract

ObjectivesWe aimed to assess the association between molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) and the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in a group of 7- to 14-year-old children in Berlin, Germany.Materials and methodsThe cross-sectional study consisted of a consecutive sample of 317 children, aged 7–14 years (49% girls, 51% boys; mean age, 8.71). Data were collected between June 2018 and December 2019. MIH was diagnosed using the criteria of the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry. OHRQoL was assessed using the German 19-item version of the Child Oral Health Impact Profile (COHIP-G19). Differences in COHIP-19 summary scores between controls without MIH and MIH patients and with regards to MIH severity were tested for statistical significance using t test and analysis of variance (ANOVA), respectively.ResultsData were obtained for 217 untreated MIH patients and 100 controls. OHRQoL of MIH patients was significantly more impaired than of controls indicated by COHIP-19 mean scores (60.9 ± 10.7 vs. 67.9 ± 7.8; p < 0.001). Patients with severe MIH (59.6 ± 11.0) reported significantly worse OHRQoL than patients with mild MIH (63.6 ± 9.1; p = 0.013).ConclusionsMIH has a significant negative impact on the children’s OHRQoL. Patients with severe MIH experience a greater negative impact on OHRQoL than those diagnosed with mild MIH.Clinical significanceMIH is one of the major dental problems of our time; pediatric dentists should be aware of its impact on the OHRQoL of the patient.

Highlights

Molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) was described as demarcated, qualitative developmental enamel defects of one or more of the permanent molars [1]
The study population was not representative for all children in Germany, since we only recruited patients living in Berlin and who visited one of the two recruitment dental centers
Another point is that the statistical control for hypersensitivity should be viewed critically since the corresponding symptoms are part of the quality of life

Summary

Introduction

Molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) was described as demarcated, qualitative developmental enamel defects of one or more of the permanent molars [1]. The clinical characteristics can vary, both, between different patients and on tooth level in the same patient; no Dental management of MIH represents a challenge for pediatric dentists, due to the variation in clinical appearance and the broad spectrum of treatment modalities, which range from prevention or restorations to extraction and orthodontic management [4]. In severe MIH cases, a post-eruptive enamel breakdown (PEB) in the affected permanent molars is to be expected, because of the sub-surface porous structure and the detrimental effect of masticatory forces in this area [2, 6].

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