Demarcated enamel hypomineralizations and sociodemographic factors

Objectives: This cross-sectional study assessed the prevalence of the Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) and Deciduous Molar Hypomineralization (DMH) and its relationship with dental caries and socioeconomic factors.
Methods: A Brazilian population of 485 schoolchildren, aged 6–10 years, was assessed for MIH in accordance with the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (EAPD) criteria, by two calibrated examiners. To analyze DMH, the DDE index was applied. The dental impact caused by these enamel defects was evaluated by using the Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT/dmft index) (WHO). Socioeconomic and demographic data were collected by using a questionnaire answered by parents. Associations between MIH, DMH, caries, socioeconomic and demographic factors were obtained using Odds Ratio and the Chi-square and/or Fisher Exact tests. The Mann Whitney test was used to compare the caries index between groups of children with and without enamel defects. All statistical tests were performed at a significance level of 5 %.
Results: The prevalence of MIH and DMH was 16% and 5.8%, respectively. There was a positive relationship between MIH and DMFT (p=0.005; OR 2 [1.2-3.3]), and between MIH and DMH (p=0.01; OR 3 [1.3-6.9]). No socioeconomic factors were associated with the presence of defects (p>0.05). Among the demographic factors, housing area (rural) was related to higher prevalence of MIH (p<0.0001), DMH (p=0.002) and concentration of worst socioeconomic indicators (p<0.05).
Conclusions: The DMH can be considered a predictor of MIH because of the association between defects, with defects and dental caries being more prevalent in the rural area. However, further studies are needed to prove the associations found.