The Association between Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization and Dental Caries with Socioeconomic Status as an Explanatory Variable in a Group of Finnish Children.

The aim of this study was to investigate if a developmental enamel defect known as Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) is associated with dental caries. Socioeconomic status (SES) was examined as a confounding factor between caries and MIH. In this cross-sectional study, 636 children, aged 8 to 13 years, from three towns (two rural areas and one urban area) in Finland were examined for MIH in line with the criteria of the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry. Caries status for permanent teeth was recorded as decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT). Caries experience (DMFT > 0) in the first permanent molars (FPMs) was set as an outcome. SES was determined using a questionnaire completed by parents. The prevalence of MIH was 18.1%. The mean DMFT in FPMs for children with MIH was higher than for their peers, 1.03 ± 1.25 vs. 0.32 ± 0.80 (p = 0.000, Mann-Whitney U test). In a multivariate analysis using the generalized linear mixed model where locality, SES, age and MIH were taken into account as caries risk indicators, MIH was the strongest risk indicator of caries in FPMs (Odds Ratio: 6.60, 95% Confidence Interval: 3.83⁻11.39, p = 0.000). According to the study results, children with MIH have a higher risk for dental caries than children without MIH.

Molar-incisor hypomineralization and the association with childhood illnesses and antibiotics in a group of Finnish children.

OBJECTIVE: Molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is a developmental enamel defect affecting 1-4 first permanent molars (FPMs) and often also incisors. The aim of this study was to assess whether childhood illnesses or medication are associated with MIH. MATERIAL AND METHODS: FPMs and incisors of 287 Finnish children were examined for MIH in line with the criteria of the EAPD. Health data from the first 3 years of life was collected from medical records and the associations with MIH and MIH2 (lesions in at least one FPM and incisor) were assessed using simple and multiple logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: The prevalence of MIH and MIH2 were 11.5% and 6.3%, respectively. During the first 3 years of life, the children with MIH had sought care for infectious illnesses more often than the children without MIH (mean number of visits (SD) 7.9(6.4) vs. 6.0(5.1), p = 0.045, independent samples t-test). After adjustment for confounding factors, children who had received penicillin or macrolides within the first year, or amoxicillin within the first 3 years had a higher risk for MIH (2.61, 4.07 and 2.58 times, adjusted OR, respectively) or MIH2 (3.16 times, aOR for penicillin and amoxicillin) compared to those who had not received that antibiotic. Of the illnesses, children with at least one episode of otitis within the first year had a higher risk for MIH (2.28 times, aOR) than those who had not suffered from otitis. CONCLUSIONS: Acute otitis media and the use of certain antibiotics were associated with the elevated risk of MIH/MIH2.

Background factors of molar-incisor hypomineralization in a group of Finnish children.

OBJECTIVE: Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) is a common developmental enamel defect characterized by demarcated opacities in permanent molars and incisors. Its etiology still remains unclear. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to assess if the socioeconomic environment of the child is associated with MIH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was located in two rural towns and three urban cities in Finland. A total of 818 children, between 7-13 years old, were examined for MIH using the evaluation criteria in line with those of the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry, but excluding opacities smaller than 2 mm in diameter. The mothers filled in a questionnaire which included questions related to the family's way of living (e.g. area of residency, farming, day care attendance) and socioeconomic status (family income, number of mother's school years, level of maternal education). RESULTS: The prevalence of MIH in the study population was 17.1%. Family income, urban residency and day care attendance were associated with MIH in the univariate analysis. In the multivariate analysis using binary logistic regression, only urban residency during a child's first 2 years of life remained associated with MIH. The prevalence of MIH in urban areas was 21.3% and in rural areas 11.5% (OR = 2.18, CI = 1.35-3.53, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of MIH was related to urban residency and could not be explained by any other factor included in the study.