Prevalence, clinical presentation and risk factors of molar incisor hypomineralisation and hypomineralised second primary molars among children in Buraydah, Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Background: Molar Incisor Hypomineralisation (MIH) and Hypomineralised second primary molars (HSPM) are qualitative defects of enamel of systemic origin. The objectives of this study were to investigate the prevalence and clinical presentation of MIH and HSPM among Saudi primary school children in Buraydah, Saudi Arabia, to investigate the association between MIH and HSPM, and to assess the association between MIH and HSPM with possible risk factors.

Design and methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study involving 325 primary school children in Buraydah, Saudi Arabia. Data was collected via questionnaire and clinical examination that was conducted by two calibrated examiners, according to the criteria of the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (EAPD). Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests/Fisher's exact tests and odds ratio were used; the significance level was set at p-value ≤ 0.05.

Results: The prevalence values of MIH and HSPM were 18.5% and 11.4%, respectively. There was a significant association between MIH and HSPM (OR = 8.38, 95% CI = 4.027-17.437, p < 0.05). Demarcated opacity (78.5%) was the most common clinical pattern in MIH affected teeth; atypical caries (42.4%) was the most common in cases with HSPM. MIH was significantly associated with otitis media during the first 4 years of life (OR = 3.552, 95% CI = 1.362-9.262, p < 0.05).

Conclusions: MIH and HSPM are common conditions amongst Saudi children (18.5% and 11.4% respectively). HSPM is a risk factor for MIH. Otitis media is associated with MIH. Further research on the aetiology of these conditions is needed.