Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization in Texan Children

Objectives: Molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is a developmental malformation of enamel that contributes to coronal breakdown, caries, and tooth sensitivity. In patients with MIH, permanent molars and incisors erupt into the oral cavity with discolored and demarcated enamel lesions. The etiology of MIH is multifactorial. Despite of its high prevalence worldwide, it is unknown if MIH is endemic in the United States. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization in the permanent dentition of children aged 6 to 14 years old in Texas.
Methods: Patients between 6 and 14 years old were included in the study when they received their initial or semiannual dental exam. Patients were recruited from dental practices throughout the South Texas Oral Health Network (STOHN) and three clinics affiliated with the Pediatric Dentistry Postgraduate program at UTHSCSA. All participating dentists were trained and calibrated in diagnosing MIH. Demographic information was obtained using a survey. During the exam, permanent teeth were examined and scored for MIH on a scale from 0 to 4 using criteria as defined by the European Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
Results: Final results included data from 1212 children. The study population included 51.7% girls and 48.3% boys. Hispanics were represented at 83.7% and non-Hispanics at 16.3%. The overall prevalence of MIH on permanent molars and incisors was 29.5%. MIH prevalence was not affected by gender, age, race, ethnicity, type of dental insurance, or tooth type.
Conclusions: This cross-sectional, practice-base research network study is the first report of MIH in the United States. The prevalence of MIH in Texas is comparable to populations in South America.