Abstract
Molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is a common condition that causes considerable pain to children and distress to their parents. Clinically it is manifested by demarcated opacities of tooth enamel with reduced mineralization. The mean global incidence of this disorder has been estimated at around 13-14%. Environmental pollution is one of the suspected etiological factors, but the impact of air pollutant components on MIH has yet to be studied. To assess whether the level of air pollution components has an impact on the prevalence of MIH. This cross-sectional study included 2354 children, aged 6-12 years, attending schools in 2 voivodeships (regions) of Poland with best and worst air quality. Smog alarms are announced more than 50 times a year in the Silesian voivodeship, while in the Pomeranian voivodeship, consistently low levels of air pollution are observed. Our air quality assessment was carried out on the basis of average annual results from measuring stations located in the 2 voivodeships. Dental examinations of teeth were conducted using the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (EAPD) criteria for the diagnosis of MIH. Levels of air pollution components over time were notably higher in the Silesian voivodeship, especially sulfur dioxide (SO2), particulate matter (PM10) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). The MIH was diagnosed more often in children in the Silesian voivodeship (13.7%) than in the Pomeranian (6.4%). In the Pomeranian voivodeship, MIH was most often diagnosed in children aged 6 (14.53%). This study shows a correlation between higher concentrations of air pollutants and the occurrence of enamel developmental disorder in the form of MIH. Future research is required to assess whether this is related to the presence of a specific component or to the more frequent occurrence and treatment of air pollution-related general diseases, such as respiratory illnesses.
Highlights
Due to increasing awareness as well as a decline in the incidence of dental caries, researchers have been focusing on developmental disorders of the teeth
Levels of air pollution components over time were notably higher in the Silesian voivodeship, especially sulfur dioxide (SO2), particulate matter (PM10) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH)
This study shows a correlation between higher concentrations of air pollutants and the occurrence of enamel developmental disorder in the form of Molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH)
Summary
Due to increasing awareness as well as a decline in the incidence of dental caries, researchers have been focusing on developmental disorders of the teeth. One developmental disorder of enamel, first described in 2001, is molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH).[1]. It involves reduced mineralization and increased porosity of the tooth enamel, and involves the first permanent molars (FPM) and often the permanent incisors (PI).[1]. The MIH is a public health problem whose consequences are health-related and economic For the patient, these teeth are the cause of discomfort and sometimes pain (even during brushing), and often require advanced treatment at a very young age. Molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is a common condition that causes considerable pain to children and distress to their parents. It is manifested by demarcated opacities of tooth enamel with reduced mineralization. Environmental pollution is one of the suspected etiological factors, but the impact of air pollutant components on MIH has yet to be studied
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