Molar Incisor Hypomineralization-Influence on Dental Caries Experience Indexes: A Cross-sectional Study

To evaluate the influence of the clinical characteristics inherent to Molar Incisor Hypomineralization on the values ​​and scores of the DMF-T and ICDAS indexes.

Eight hundred and eight seven teeth were examined, from 39 individuals aged 3-14 years (8.95 ± 3.26), who had at least one first permanent molar (FPM) or second primary molar with signs of hypomineralization, according to the criteria of the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry. Hypomineralized teeth were evaluated for the presence of restorations, post-eruptive breakdowns (PEB), and dental caries, being considered sound for the DMF-T when there was the presence of PEB without caries lesion. Chi-square and Kruskal Wallis tests (p ≤ 0.05) were used to detect differences.

Two hundred and five teeth showed signs of hypomineralization. The average number of opacities was influenced by the period of dentition, with more opacities when the primary dentition and the eruption of FPM and permanent incisors were complete (p ≥ 0.05). Hypomineralized teeth showed a higher DMF-T value, mainly of the decayed component (12%), in contrast to 2.5% of nonhypomineralized teeth. It was not possible to associate ICDAS scores 1 and 2 to hypomineralized surfaces, due to the overlap with the diagnosis of early enamel caries. The values ​​of this index changed in the presence of cavitation by caries (scores 3,4,5,6), but not in the presence of PEB.

Due to the impossibility of differential diagnosis with caries lesion, PEB, and opacities present in hypomineralized teeth tend to overestimate the values ​​and scores of the DMF-T and ICDAS, respectively.

Make future suggestions for epidemiological studies in the area.

Vieira FG, Pintor AV, Silva FD, et al. Molar Incisor Hypomineralization-Influence on Dental Caries Experience Indexes: A Cross-sectional Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(1):65-68.