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Systemic Inflammation and Molar Incisor Hypomineralisation: A Cohort Study
S Shields1,2, T Chen1,3,4, F Crombie1
1Melbourne Dental School, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia.
Journal of Dental Research
|July 22, 2026
Summary
This study found no clear link between early childhood inflammation and molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) risk. Further research is needed to understand the causes of this common dental defect.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Immunology
- Public Health
Background:
- Molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) is a prevalent dental defect with unknown causes.
- Systemic inflammation is a suspected factor, but prospective human data are lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between early childhood systemic inflammation and the risk and severity of MIH.
- To determine if inflammation in early life influences the likelihood of developing MIH.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the population-based Barwon Infant Study cohort.
- Measured systemic inflammation markers (GlycA, hsCRP) from prenatal to 4 years of age.
- Diagnosed MIH via clinical examination in children aged 9-13 years.
Main Results:
- MIH prevalence was 27% in the study cohort.
- No significant association was found between inflammation markers (hsCRP, GlycA) and MIH risk or severity.
- A slight, non-significant decrease in MIH risk was observed with increased GlycA levels at 12 months.
Conclusions:
- This study found no clear evidence linking early childhood systemic inflammation to an increased risk of molar incisor hypomineralisation.
- The etiology of MIH remains multifactorial and requires further investigation.
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