Diagnosing celiac disease in children using oral manifestations.

PURPOSE: Celiac disease (CD) may be frequently undiagnosed due to the absence of characteristic gastroenterologic symptoms in many CD patients. Our objective was to diagnose CD by utilizing documented oral manifestations such as Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis (RAS) and Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH). METHODS: The study comprised sixty children who presented with complaints of RAS lesions. The MIH group consisted of 40 children, while the control group comprised 20 children without MIH lesions, ranging in age from 7 to 13 years. After the dental examination, all children were given a questionnaire to assess whether they had any previous history of general symptoms related to CD. Following that, diagnostic testing for celiac disease were conducted, including serological tests such as Tissue transglutaminase IgA (tTG-IgA), Endomysium Antibody (EMA), and Total IgA, as well as genetic tests for HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8. RESULTS: The statistical analysis, conducted using Fisher's Exact, Yates' Continuity Correction, Fisher Freeman Halton, and Student's t tests, revealed no significant differences between the groups (p < 0.05). Within the MIH group, 3 children exhibited border tTG-IgA values, while another 3 had positive tTG-IgA results. Two of these 6 children had also positive EMA and HLA results. Following a biopsy procedure, these two children were ultimately diagnosed with celiac disease (CD). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, while children initially presented to the clinic with complaints of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS), 2 children (5% of the MIH group) were diagnosed with CD shortly after the onset of MIH lesions. CD enhanced the likelihood of observing some oral manifestations particularly recurrent aphtous stomatitis and developmental enamel defects. We recommend that dentists be cautious about diagnosing CD when RAS lesions and DEDs and/or MIH lesions are present, whether or not other indications of this systemic disease exist.

Association of Molar Incisor Hypomineralization with Hypomineralized Second Primary Molars: An Updated Systematic Review with a Meta-Analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: There is a correlation between molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) and hypomineralized second primary molars (HSPM), but this relationship has not been definitively confirmed. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to reevaluate whether children with HSPM are more affected by MIH than non-HSPM children. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in four databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library) for literature, published up to December 2022. Two independent reviewers conducted the study search and screening, quality assessment, and data extraction according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. The risk-of-bias assessment of all included cohort studies and case-control studies was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS), and cross-sectional studies were assessed using the Agency for Healthcare Research Quality (AHRQ) scale. RevMan 5.4 software was used for all data analyses, with odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) as the effect measures. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were conducted to identify the potential sources of heterogeneity among the studies. Publication bias was tested and corrected by funnel plots and Egger's test. Trial sequential analysis (TSA) was performed using TSA 0.9.5.10 Beta software to control for type-1 and type-2 errors. RESULTS: A total of 12 studies involving 8,944 children were included in this meta-analysis. Compared with the non-HSPM group, the HSPM group had an increased likelihood of MIH (OR = 10.90, 95% CI = 4.59-25.89, p < 0.05). All the included studies were of moderate-to-high quality. TSA and sensitivity analyses suggested the robustness of this outcome. CONCLUSION: This systematic review demonstrated a certain correlation between HSPM and MIH, suggesting that HSPM can play a predictive role in the occurrence of MIH. Further high-quality, multicenter, and large-sample longitudinal studies are highly recommended.

Which are the clinical consequences of Molar Incisor hypomineralization (MIH) in children and adolescents? Systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review was conducted to address the following research question: "What are the clinical consequences (outcome) of Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) (exposure) in children and adolescents (population/patient)?". MATERIAL AND METHODS: After defining the strategy, a search was performed in different databases (MEDLINE via Pubmed, Cochrane Library, BBO, LILACS, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase) and Grey literature in August 2023. Cross-sectional observational studies that identified clinical consequences of MIH (dental caries, post-eruptive structural loss, atypical restorations, hypersensitivity and tooth extraction) were included. The risk of bias was assessed following the Joanna Briggs Institute protocol for cross-sectional studies. Meta-analyses were conducted for each outcome, taking into account the number of patients and teeth. The effect measure considered was the prevalence; random-effects model was adopted. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistics and prediction intervals (PI). RESULTS: A total of 903 studies were identified; 41 were selected for qualitative analysis and 38 for quantitative analysis. Twenty eight studies were classified as presenting uncertain risk of bias, 11 as low risk and 3 as high risk of bias. The prevalence levels, ranked from highest to lowest and considering the tooth and patient units, respectively, were: caries lesions (0.252 - 95% CI 0.158-0.375; 0.512 - 95% CI 0.385-0.639); hypersensitivity (0.286 - 95% CI 0.190-0.407; 0.417 - 95% CI 0.197-0.674), post-eruptive fracture (0.125 - 95% CI 0.099-0.158; 0.257 - 95% CI 0.145-0.412); atypical restorations (0.048 - 95% CI 0.030-0.077; 0.167 - 95% CI 0.096 - 0.274); tooth extraction (0.012 - 95% CI 0.007-0.019; 0.090 - 95% CI 0.019 - 0.331). All meta-analyses resulted in heterogeneity greater than 85%, with the exception of the outcome "tooth extraction" according to the tooth unit (I2 = 57.83). This heterogeneity may be attributed to factors such as differences in the location where the study was realized, the socioeconomic conditions of the studied population, the asymmetric nature of MIH, and patient age. CONCLUSION: The most common consequences of MIH are caries lesions, hypersensitivity, and post-eruptive breakdown. (PROSPERO:CRD42020201410).

What can impact on the presence of carious lesions in first permanent molars? Revisiting the association between MIH and caries.

OBJECTIVE: Assess whether the independent variables (IV) such as number of MIH-affected molars, MIH severity, past caries experience, visible plaque index (VPI), gingival bleeding index (GBI), age, and gender affect the presence of caries lesion (DMF_s) in first permanent molars, considering or not atypical restoration in MIH-affected molars as a previous caries lesion. METHODS: A sample of 476 schoolchildren, aged 6-10 years, were evaluated for MIH and caries diagnosis, using the Severity Scoring System (MIH-SSS) and the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS), respectively. From the ICDAS, the DF-s/ D-s and df-s were calculated. The Zero-inflated Negative Binomial Regression was used to evaluate the impact of the IV on the dependent variable, considering or not the restorative component in MIH-affected molars. RESULTS: When the presence of caries was evaluated with the restorative component, age, MIH severity and past caries experience had a significant impact on the dependent variable (R2 = 0.176). Without the restorative component in MIH-affected molars, only age and past caries experience were statistically significant (R2 = 0.167). CONCLUSION: Since in the case of MIH teeth restoration may be attributed to post-eruptive breakdown rather than previous caries lesions, in the present study MIH did not influence the presence of caries lesions in the MIH-affected molars showing that restoration is not an adequate parameter for measuring the historical occurrence of caries. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The first permanent molars may not necessarily be at an increased risk of caries due to MIH if the etiological factors for caries development are effectively managed.

Genetic polymorphisms associated with developmental defects of enamel: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Polymorphisms in genes related to enamel formation and mineralization may increase the risk of developmental defects of enamel (DDE). AIM: To evaluate the existing literature on genetic polymorphisms associated with DDE. DESIGN: This systematic review was registered in the PROSPERO (CRD42018115270). The literature search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, BBO, Cochrane Library, and in the gray literature. Observational studies assessing the association between DDE and genetic polymorphism were included. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess the risk of bias. RESULTS: One thousand one hundred and forty-six articles were identified, and 28 met the inclusion criteria. Five studies presented a low risk of bias. Ninety-two genes related to enamel development, craniofacial patterning morphogenesis, immune response, and hormone transcription/reception were included. Molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) and/or hypomineralization of primary second molars (HPSM) were associated with 80 polymorphisms of genes responsible for enamel development, immune response, morphogenesis, and xenobiotic detoxication. A significant association was found between the different clinical manifestations of dental fluorosis (DF) with nine polymorphisms of genes responsible for enamel development, craniofacial development, hormonal transcription/reception, and oxidative stress. Hypoplasia was associated with polymorphisms located in intronic regions. CONCLUSION: MIH, HPSM, DF, and hypoplasia reported as having a complex etiology are significantly associated with genetic polymorphisms of several genes.

Spontaneous space closure after extraction of permanent first molars in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Extraction of the permanent first molars is sometimes necessitated in children and adolescents due to deep carious lesions or developmental defects. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of spontaneous space closure after extraction of permanent first molars and identify factors associated with it. SEARCH METHODS: Unrestricted searches in five databases for human studies until February 2024. SELECTION CRITERIA: Longitudinal before-and-after (cohort) human studies assessing eruption of the permanent second molars and spontaneous space closure after extraction of the permanent first molar. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment were performed in duplicate. Random-effects meta-analyses of average spontaneous space closure prevalences and odds ratios (OR) with their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were performed, followed by meta-regression/sensitivity/reporting biases' analyses and evaluation of our confidence in effect estimates. RESULTS: Sixteen reports pertaining to 15 studies (1 prospective /14 retrospective) were included covering 1159 patients (ages 5.5-15.0 years [mean 10.0 years]; 45% male on average) and 2310 permanent second molars. The prevalence of spontaneous space closure was higher in the maxilla (nine studies; 85.3%; 95% CI = 73.7%-92.3%) than the mandible (11 studies; 48.1%; 95% CI = 34.5%-62.0%) to a significant extent (nine studies; OR = 7.77; 95% CI = 4.99-12.11; P < 0.001). For both maxillary/mandibular second molars, Demirjian category E was associated with increased space closure odds than earlier/later stages (P < 0.05). Spontaneous space closure in the mandible was seen more often for patients ages 8-10 years (compared with older patients; three studies; OR = 3.32; 95% CI = 1.73-6.36; P < 0.001) and when the mandibular permanent third molar was present (four studies; OR = 2.28; 95% CI = 1.67-3.09; P = 0.003). Additional analyses failed to find any significant modifying factors. LIMITATIONS: The quality of evidence was very low in all instances due to the inclusion of retrospective studies with methodological issues. CONCLUSIONS: Existing evidence indicates that spontaneous space closure in children and adolescents after extraction of the permanent first molar is seen more often in the maxilla than the mandible. Extraction of the permanent first molar at the Demirjian stage E of the second molar and presence of the lower permanent third molar is associated with increased odds of space closure, but uncertainty persists, due to methodological issues of existing studies. REGISTRATION: PROSPERO (CRD42023395371).

Influence of maternal health status during pregnancy and the child´s medical history on molar-incisor hypomineralization in a group of Spanish children (aged 6-14 years): a retrospective case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is a qualitative enamel defect that is highly prevalent in children. It has been reported that patients with MIH have higher caries occurrence with an increased need and frequency of dental treatment compared to patients without MIH. The objective of this study was to analyze the association between MIH and a series of factors related to maternal health status during pregnancy and children´s medical history in early childhood. METHODS: A retrospective study of cases (patients with MIH) and controls (patients without MIH) was designed between 2023 and 2024. A total of 280 children (cases = 140; controls = 140) aged 6 to 14 years (138 boys and 142 girls) were examined according to the European Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (EAPD) criteria for MIH. A survey was carried out with mothers regarding the potential exposure of their children to etiological factors of MIH. Possible prenatal and postnatal etiological factors were obtained through a personal interview with the patients' mothers. The statistical analysis was carried out with the contrast test and the chi-square test. RESULTS: During pregnancy, folic acid consumption, alcohol intake, systemic viral and/or bacterial infections, and gestational diabetes were statistically significantly related to MIH, as were breastfeeding, asthma, and corticosteroid consumption during childhood. CONCLUSIONS: Although there are different factors that may have statistically significant relationships with MIH, they cannot be predicted. Therefore, longitudinal studies, with a large sample size, are needed to determine the influence of prenatal and postnatal factors on the prevalence and severity of MIH in children.

Prenatal exposure to environmental toxins and comprehensive dental findings in a population cohort of children.

Environmental toxins are known to have many impacts on growth and development in humans, starting in utero. Alterations in amelogenesis, caused by chemical and physical trauma that occur during the antenatal, perinatal and postnatal time periods, may result in developmental defects in deciduous and permanent tooth enamel, as demonstrated in animal studies. These defects can be clinically visible and result in a variety of morphological and functional problems in the dentition. Since enamel does not remodel after formation, it may serve as a permanent record of insults during organ development.Our primary purpose was to investigate any possible relationship between intrauterine exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (phenols and phthalates) and developmental defects in enamel in children, while also accounting for fluoride exposure. Our secondary purpose was to report descriptively on findings from comprehensive dental examinations performed on 356 children that were drawn from the general paediatric population. A cohort of children from the Utah Children's Project (N = 356) that had full medical exams, comprehensive medical and family histories and available biospecimens were given extraoral and intraoral examinations. They also completed an oral health questionnaire. Standardized intraoral photographs were taken of the teeth and viewed by standardised examiners and the dental observations were recorded for a full inventory of findings, including: tooth morphology, caries, restorations, colorations, attrition, erosion, fractures and hypomineralization. Perinatal maternal urine samples were assessed for the concentration of fluoride, phenols and phthalates, including bisphenol A (BPA).Pairwise statistical analyses were done to correlate the dental findings with one another and with the presence of environment chemicals found in the urine samples. Hypomineralization was the most common finding (96% of children; 37% of deciduous teeth, 42% of permanent teeth), consistent with molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) described in other human populations. No consistent correlations were seen between dental findings and the presence of phenols and phthalates in prenatal urine, but the number of samples available for the assessment was limited (n = 35).In conclusion, we found a high proportion of dental hypomineralization in a population based paediatric cohort, but did not find an association with prenatal exposure to phenols and phthalates.

Prevalence and clinical presentation of molar incisor hypomineralisation among a population of children in the community of Madrid.

OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH), an alteration of tooth enamel with an estimated worldwide prevalence rate of 14%, among children using primary care services in the Community of Madrid, Spain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional and multicentre study. After calibrating all researchers and following the diagnostic criteria of the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (EAPD), children aged between 8 and 16 years who were users of the dental services at 8 primary oral health units of the Madrid Health Service (SERMAS) were included. The children underwent a dental examination, and the parents were asked to complete a questionnaire. RESULTS: The prevalence of MIH was 28.63% (CI: 24.61-32.65%). The age cohorts most affected by MIH were 8 years (21.4%) and 11 years (20.7%). The presence of MIH was greater among girls (85; 60.71%) than among boys (55; 39.28%). The mean number of affected teeth per patient was 4.46 ± 2.8. The most frequently affected molar was the upper right first molar (74.3%), and the upper left central incisor was the most affected incisor (37.85%). Opacities were the defects most frequently recorded (63.57%). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of MIH in this study is the highest of all relevant studies conducted in Spain.

Development of undergraduate students' diagnostic accuracy for the classification of molar incisor hypomineralization.

INTRODUCTION: One of the major difficulties with respect to molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is its classification and differentiation from other enamel development defects (EDDs). The aim of this study was to evaluate diagnostic accuracy in dental students to classify MIH as well as its differentiation from other EDDs by combining conventional theoretical classes and e-learning-assisted pre-clinical practices. METHODS: In this one-group pre-test and post-test study, 59 second-year students assessed 115 validated photographs using the MIH Index on the Moodle learning platform. This index assesses the clinical features and extent of MIH, differentiating it from other EDDs. Students received automatic feedback after the pre-test. Two weeks later, students re-evaluated the same photographs. Both pairwise accuracy and overall diagnostic accuracy were estimated and compared for pre- and post-testing, with the area under the curve AUC, along with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). RESULTS: The lowest diagnostic accuracy was for the ability to discriminate between white or cream-coloured demarcated opacities and hypomineralization-type defect that is not MIH. The overall pre-test accuracy was AUC = 0.83 and increased significantly post-test to AUC = 0.99 (p < .001). The overall accuracy to discriminate the extent of the lesion also increased significantly post-test (p < .001). CONCLUSION: Diagnostic skills to classify MIH can be developed by combining conventional theoretical classes and e-learning-assisted pre-clinical practices.

Asthma medication and risk of dental diseases in children - A prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Dental caries and enamel defects are the main causes of poor dental health in children, with a substantial impact on their well-being. Use of inhaled asthma medication is a suspected risk factor, but there is a lack of prospective studies investigating this and other prenatal and early life risk factors. METHODS: Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood 2010 mother-child cohort (COPSAC2010 ) consists of 700 women who were recruited at 24 weeks of pregnancy. 588 of their children participated in a dental examination at 6 years of age (84%) at the COPSAC2010 research unit. Caries was defined as decayed, missing, or filled surfaces. Enamel defect was defined as demarcated opacity, post-eruptive enamel breakdown, and/or atypical restoration on at least one molar. Caries and enamel defects were assessed in both deciduous and permanent dentitions. RESULTS: We found no associations between inhaled corticosteroids or ß2 -agonists or asthma symptoms in early childhood and the risk of caries or enamel defects by 6 years of age. Furthermore, we found no strong pre-, peri-, or postnatal risk factors for dental diseases at 6 years, except from nominally significant associations between antibiotic use in pregnancy (OR = 1.25, [1.01-1.54]), maternal education level (OR = 1.57, [1.01-2.45]), having a dog at home (OR = 0.50, [0.27-0.93]), and risk of enamel defects. CONCLUSIONS: Use of inhaled corticosteroids, ß2 -agonists, or asthma symptoms in the first 6 years of life were not associated with the development of caries or enamel defects. This finding is reassuring for parents and physicians prescribing asthma medication for young children.

Prenatal exposure to persistent organic pollutants and molar-incisor hypomineralization among 12-year-old children in the French mother-child cohort PELAGIE.

BACKGROUND: Exceptional episodes of exposure to high levels of persistent organic pollutants have already been associated with developmental defects of enamel among children, but knowledge is still scarce concerning the contribution of background levels of environmental contamination. METHODS: Children of the French PELAGIE mother-child cohort were followed from birth, with collection of medical data and cord blood samples that were used to measure polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCs), and perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs). At 12 years of age, molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) and other enamel defects (EDs) were recorded for 498 children. Associations were studied using logistic regression models adjusted for potential prenatal confounders. RESULTS: An increasing log-concentration of ß-HCH was associated with a reduced risk of MIH and EDs (OR = 0.55; 95% CI, 0.32-0.95, and OR = 0.65; 95% CI, 0.43-0.98, respectively). Among girls, intermediate levels of p,p'-DDE were associated with a reduced risk of MIH. Among boys, we observed an increased risk of EDs in association with intermediate levels of PCB 138, PCB 153, PCB 187, and an increased risk of MIH with intermediate levels of PFOA and PFOS. CONCLUSIONS: Two OCs were associated with a reduced risk of dental defects, whereas the associations between PCBs and PFASs and EDs or MIH were generally close to null or sex-specific, with an increased risk of dental defects in boys. These results suggest that POPs could impact amelogenesis. Replication of this study is required and the possible underlying mechanisms need to be explored.

Biomimetic hydroxyapatite paste for molar-incisor hypomineralization: A randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the desensitizing and remineralizing effect of a new zinc-hydroxyapatite-based paste in sites affected by molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH), by assessing dental sensitivity, tooth wear, and periodontal indexes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five patients with presence of 1 enamel demineralization of permanent molars and incisors in two different quadrants were recruited. After professional dental hygiene, a domiciliary hydroxyapatite-based paste was assigned and recommended to be applied on 2 MIH teeth in one random quadrant (test group), while the 2 contralateral MIH teeth did not undergo paste application (control group). The following primary outcomes were assessed: Plaque Control Record (PCR), Bleeding Index (BI), MIH Treatment Need Index (MIH-TNI), and Schiff Air Index (SAI). RESULTS: No significant inter- and intragroup differences were found for PI and BI, except for both intragroup T0-T1. For MIH-TNI, significant intergroup differences were detectable in the test group after 9 months of treatment. For SAI values, no significant differences were found in the control group, while in the test group, significant lower values were found after 1 and 3 months since baseline, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Biomimetic zinc-hydroxyapatite showed a desensitizing effect when used to treat MIH.

Pre- and perinatal exposures associated with molar incisor hypomineralization: Birth cohort, Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze prenatal and perinatal stressors associated with molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) in adolescents. METHODS: Prospective cohort study collected prenatal (socioeconomic status, maternal age, number of prenatal visits, smoking, obesity during pregnancy, abortion history, gestational hypertension) and perinatal stressors (type of delivery, gestational age, birth weight, intensive care unit-ICU at birth). The outcome was MIH at 18-19 years follow-up (n = 590). MIH was defined according to the Ghanim criteria - Model I. We performed a sensitivity analysis, including opacities demarcated in index tooth, incisive or molars, Model II. Through structural equation modeling, we analyzed direct and mediating pathways between multiple stressors with outcomes. RESULTS: MIH was observed in 15.25% (n = 90), and opacities demarcated in any index tooth were observed in 22.8% of adolescents (n = 135). In Model I, no stressor explained MIH significantly, although we watched high standardized coefficients (SC) for low birth weight (SC = 0.223, p = 0.147), lower gestational age (SC = 0.351; p = 0.254), and ICU admission (SC = 0.447, p = 0.254). In Model II, advanced maternal age (SC = 0.148; p < 0.05) and not undergoing prenatal care (SC = 0.384, p < 0.03) explained opacities demarcated in incisors or molars. CONCLUSION: Advanced maternal age and not undergoing prenatal care were associated with MIH lesion-like in incisors or molars.

Molar-incisor hypomineralization in a cohort of individuals born with cleft lip and palate.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the frequency of molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) in individuals born with cleft lip and or cleft palate. SETTINGS AND SAMPLE: Three hundred eighty-six individuals born with cleft lip and/or palate before orthodontic treatment. METHODS: All the individuals were submitted to a clinical examination and intraoral standardized photos. The registration of MIH was taken by two orthodontists and analysed in association with the cleft type and laterality. The Kruskal-Wallis test and the regression test were used to compare the frequency of molars and incisors affected according to cleft type and laterality, sex and age. RESULTS: We found a frequency of 67.87% of MIH in the studied sample. The frequency varied from 25% (in individuals born with cleft palate) to 77% in individuals born with bilateral cleft lip and palate). The number of affected molars was statistically different depending on cleft type and laterality (P < .001- Kruskal-Wallis test). Differences were found between individuals born with unilateral cleft lip and palate and unilateral cleft lip and alveolus (P = .03), and with isolated cleft palate (P = .03), and between individuals born with bilateral cleft lip and palate and born with unilateral cleft lip and alveolus (P = .01), and cleft palate (P = .01). Sex (P = .21) and age (P = .36) had no influence on the frequency of MIH. A positive correlation was found between the number of molars affected and incisors affected (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Individuals born with cleft lip and palate have a higher frequency of MIH, and the complexity of cleft type was associated with the number of affected molars.

Er:YAG laser therapy in combination with GLUMA desensitizer reduces dentin hypersensitivity in children with molar-incisor hypomineralization: a randomized clinical trial.

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of erbium-doped yttrium garnet (Er:YAG) laser and GLUMA desensitizer for dentin hypersensitivity in teeth affected by Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH). One hundred twenty children were randomly allocated to four groups: the control (Co) group, the desensitizer (De) group, the laser (La) group, and the laser + desensitizer (La + De) group. Outcome measures included Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and 14-item Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) evaluation. For mean VAS scores, a significant reduction was found over time in all groups. Co and De groups, Co and La groups, Co and La + De groups, De and La + De groups, and La and La + De groups differed significantly (p < 0.05). For mean scores in all dimensions of OHIP-14 after treatment 6 months, the La + De group was significantly lower (p < 0.001). The La + De groups and the La groups as well as the La + De groups and the De groups differed significantly in total OHIP, functional limitation, physical disability, and psychological disability (p < 0.05). Physical pain between the La + De groups and the La groups and handicap between the La + De groups and De groups differed significantly (p < 0.05). The mean values of each dimension differed significantly between the group Co and the La + De group (p < 0.0001). Combination therapy of Er:YAG laser and GLUMA desensitizer had greater desensitizing effects and oral health-related quality improvement of life, which might be an effective alternative treatment in dentin hypersensitivity in MIH children.

Proteomic Analyses Discern the Developmental Inclusion of Albumin in Pig Enamel: A New Model for Human Enamel Hypomineralization.

Excess albumin in enamel is a characteristic of the prevalent developmental dental defect known as chalky teeth or molar hypomineralization (MH). This study uses proteomic analyses of pig teeth to discern between developmental origin and post-eruptive contamination and to assess the similarity to hypomineralized human enamel. Here, the objective is to address the urgent need for an animal model to uncover the etiology of MH and to improve treatment. Porcine enamel is chalky and soft at eruption; yet, it hardens quickly to form a hard surface and then resembles human teeth with demarcated enamel opacities. Proteomic analyses of enamel from erupted teeth, serum, and saliva from pigs aged 4 (n = 3) and 8 weeks (n = 2) and human (n = 4) molars with demarcated enamel opacities show alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). AFP expression is limited to pre- and perinatal development and its presence in enamel indicates pre- or perinatal inclusion. In contrast, albumin is expressed after birth, indicating postnatal inclusion into enamel. Peptides were extracted from enamel and analyzed by nano-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (nanoLC-MS/MS) after tryptic digestion. The mean total protein number was 337 in the enamel of all teeth with 13 different unique tryptic peptides of porcine AFP in all enamel samples but none in saliva samples. Similarities in the composition, micro-hardness, and microstructure underscore the usefulness of the porcine model to uncover the MH etiology, cellular mechanisms of albumin inclusion, and treatment for demarcated opacities.

Influence of genetics on the occurrence of enamel hypomineralization affecting permanent and primary teeth: A scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is prevalent worldwide and is a challenge for clinicians who provide oral care to children. Molar incisor hypomineralization has been considered a multifactorial disturbance that results from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. AIM: This scoping review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute protocol and aimed to identify the available evidence of the genetic influence on the etiology of MIH. DESIGN: The search strategy was conducted in multiple databases, including PubMed, BVS, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus. Two trained reviewers, requiring a third reviewer in case of disagreements, collected evidence. RESULTS: Of 563 retrieved studies, 17 were included in the review. From 14 studies performed in humans, 10 investigated DNA polymorphisms, one analyzed DNA methylation, one aimed model of inheritance, and two focused on the phenotype in twins or in the family. Three animal studies were based on the null expression of genes. CONCLUSION: This scoping review, based on the studies that used different methodologies, reinforces the hypothesis of a genetic contribution to the multifactorial etiology of MIH. The available data are limited in terms of size and origin of the samples. Hence, further genetic studies are still required.

Determination of dental caries, molar-incisor hypomineralization, and oral health-related quality of life in schoolchildren: A structural equation modeling approach.

BACKGROUND: Some oral conditions can have psychosocial consequences that affect children's daily life and well-being. AIM: To create a structural model for the determination of dental caries, molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH), and the impact of these conditions and socioeconomic status on schoolchildren's oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). DESIGN: A representative cross-sectional study was conducted in Lavras, Brazil, with 1181 female and male schoolchildren 8-9 years of age. OHRQoL was measured using the Brazilian version of the CPQ8-10. Clinical examinations were performed by a calibrated dentist for the diagnosis of dental caries (WHO) and MIH (EAPD). Parents/caregivers answered questionnaires addressing the child's medical history and socioeconomic status. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. RESULTS: The model revealed that greater MIH severity (ß = .874; p < .001) and worse socioeconomic status (ß = -.060; p = .001) were associated with a greater number of teeth with caries experience. The higher the number of teeth with caries experience (ß = .160; p = .007) and worse socioeconomic status (ß = -.164; p < .001), the greater the negative impact on OHRQoL. CONCLUSION: The model created showed that dental caries and socioeconomic status had a direct negative impact on the OHRQoL of schoolchildren and MIH had an indirect impact mediated by the occurrence of caries experience.

Comparison between two molar incisor hypomineralization detection criteria in epidemiological surveys.

BACKGROUND: There is no consensus on which molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) indices are more suitable for epidemiological surveys. AIM: To compare the operational aspects and diagnostic ability of the MIH index (simplified/MIH_s and extended/MIH_e) with the MIH-Severity Scoring System (MIH-SSS) in classifying and diagnosing MIH. DESIGN: This cross-sectional study assessed the indices in a homogeneous group of 680 6- to 10-year-old schoolchildren in Bauru, Brazil, who had at least one first permanent molar, ensuring consistent conditions. Followed by toothbrushing, the children seated on school chairs were examined by the two calibrated researchers under artificial lighting, using mouth mirror and WHO probe, and chronometer recording the duration of examinations. RESULTS: The prevalence of MIH was 24.7%. The most common characteristic of MIH was demarcated opacity, with a prevalence of 81.7% and 85.45% according to the MIH_s and the MIH-SSS, respectively. A positive association was observed among the MIH_s, the MIH_e, and the MIH-SSS (chi-squared test; p < .01). The MIH-SSS demonstrated a shorter average application time than both versions of the MIH index (ANOVA/Tukey; p < .05). Additionally, fluorosis was found to be the most prevalent among other developmental defects of enamel, with a prevalence of 38.38%. CONCLUSION: All systems effectively diagnosed MIH and its characteristics.