Caries prevalence and molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) in children. Is there an association? A systematic review

Authors

  • FA Villani Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Science, University of Milan - Istituto Stomatologico Italiano, 20122 Milan
  • R Aiuto Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Science, University of Milan - Istituto Stomatologico Italiano, 20122 Milan
  • M Dioguardi Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia
  • L Paglia President of Fondazione ISI - Istituto Stomatologico Italiano, 20122 Milan
  • S Caruso Department of Life, Health and Environmental Science, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila
  • R Gatto Department of Life, Health and Environmental Science, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila
  • D Re Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Science, University of Milan - Istituto Stomatologico Italiano, 20122 Milan
  • D Garcovich Department of Dentistry, Universidad Europea de Valencia, 46010 Valencia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.23804/ejpd.2023.1985

Keywords:

Molar Incisor Hypomineralisation, Caries, Prevalence, Mixed Dentition, Permanent Dentition, Enamel defects

Abstract

AIM: Molar incisor hypomeralisation (MIH) is a dental condition clinically characterised by the presence of morphological and qualitative enamel defects involving the occlusal and/or incisal third of one or more permanent molars or incisors. Its worldwide prevalence ranges between 2.4 and 40%. Several harmful conditions, such as genetic or medical problems during pregnancy, may act together and increase the risk of MIH. The main objective of this systematic review is to assess whether there is a correlation between MIH and dental caries in mixed or permanent dentition. METHODS: An electronic search was performed on PubMed (Medline), Scopus and Cochrane Library for articles published from August 2022 to April 2023. Cohort, cross-sectional, retrospective and prospective studies were included. In vitro and animal studies, as well as clinical cases and systematic reviews, were excluded. Studies not differentiating between mixed and permanent dentition were excluded. The observed variables were DMFT (Decayed Missed Filled Teeth) score, DMFS (Decayed Missed Filled Surface) and DMF scores related to FPM (First Permanent Molar) and the clinical prevalence of MIH. CONCLUSION: DMFT, DMFS and DMFT on FPM scores are significantly different between the group of patients with MIH and the control group. The available evidence supports a correlation between MIH lesions and caries. Caries indexes scores increase proportionally to the severity of MIH.