Do We Really Know the Prevalence of MIH?

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Dentistry
• Dental Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is a common enamel defect affecting permanent first molars and incisors.
• Prevalence rates reported in the literature show significant variability, hindering global comparisons.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the variability in reported prevalence of molar incisor hypomineralization.
• To identify differences in MIH prevalence across various global regions.
• To assess the diagnostic criteria used in MIH prevalence studies.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature review was conducted using Medline and Cochrane Library databases.
• Articles were excluded if they did not report diagnostic criteria or were not in English.
• Data were analyzed based on country, region, study year, sample size, age range, and prevalence rate.

Main Results:

• 37 English articles published between 1987 and 2014 were reviewed; only 14 used the EAPD's 2003 diagnostic criteria.
• The age range of participants varied (5.5–17 years), with 7–9 years being most common.
• Reported MIH prevalence ranged from 2.8% to 44%, with 82.61% of studies using calibrated examiners.

Conclusions:

• Direct comparison of MIH prevalence studies is difficult due to diverse diagnostic criteria, analysis methods, and age groups.
• The true global prevalence of molar incisor hypomineralization is likely unknown.
• Standardization of diagnostic criteria is needed for accurate MIH epidemiological research.