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Amoxicillin may cause molar incisor hypomineralization

S Laisi1, A Ess, C Sahlberg

  • 1Health Center, Ylämaa, Finland.

Journal of Dental Research
|March 13, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Early amoxicillin use is a significant factor in molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH). This study found a higher prevalence of MIH in children who received amoxicillin during their first year of life.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Developmental Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • The causes of molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) remain largely unknown.
  • Antibiotic use in early childhood is a potential, yet unconfirmed, etiological factor for MIH.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between early antibiotic exposure and the development of molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH).
  • To explore the potential role of amoxicillin in the pathogenesis of MIH.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 141 schoolchildren was assessed for MIH.
  • Medical records were reviewed to determine antibiotic usage, specifically amoxicillin and erythromycin, before the age of 4.
  • In vitro studies cultured mouse E18 teeth with varying concentrations of amoxicillin.

Main Results:

  • Molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) was diagnosed in 16.3% of the children studied.
  • Children exposed to amoxicillin or erythromycin in their first year showed a significantly higher incidence of MIH.
  • In vitro amoxicillin exposure led to increased enamel thickness but not dentin thickness in developing teeth.

Conclusions:

  • Early exposure to amoxicillin is identified as a potential causative factor in the development of molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH).
  • Altered amelogenesis patterns due to amoxicillin may disrupt proper enamel mineralization, leading to MIH.

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