Influence of caries and molar incisor hypomineralization on oral health-related quality of life in children

The Impact of Molar Incisor Hypomineralisation on Children and Adolescents: A Narrative Review

Molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) is a qualitative developmental enamel defect with a prevalence of 13% worldwide. This review aims to outline the current evidence regarding the impact of MIH on children's oral health and, more broadly, their day-to-day activities. MIH is associated with negative sequelae, including hypersensitivity, post-eruptive breakdown, the rapid development of carious lesions and poor aesthetics. Other concerns pertain to the clinical management of MIH and include difficulty in achieving local anaesthesia, increased dental fear and anxiety (DFA) and increased behaviour management problems. Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) is the most standardised measure of patient impact; however, no instruments have been validated for use in MIH populations. The few existing observational studies investigating the impact of MIH on OHRQoL in children have produced conflicting results. Interventions to alleviate hypersensitivity and improve aesthetics had a positive impact on the OHRQoL of MIH-affected children. Multiple methodological issues make it difficult to measure the impact of MIH, including heterogeneity in the MIH severity classification, an overlap in the indices used to diagnose dental caries and MIH as well as the subjectivity of outcome measures for hypersensitivity and DFA.

Effect of Prevalence and Severity of Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization on Oral Health-Related Quality of Life: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objectives

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess the association between the MIH presence as well as the severity and OHRQoL in children.

Material and methods

Relevant studies were identified in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane and Google Scholar. Studies involving MIH and OHRQoL in children were included. A methodological quality assessment of included studies was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) and its adapted version for cross-sectional studies. Random effects models were used to estimate summary effect measures for the association between MIH presence (presence vs. absence) as well as severity (moderate/severe MIH vs. no MIH) and OHRQoL using generic inverse variance meta-analyses. Tests for heterogeneity, publication bias and sensitivity of results were also performed.

Results

Out of 1696 identified publications 11 studies reporting on 5,017 children were included in the meta-analysis assessing the impact of MIH presence. There was no statistically significant association between the presence of MIH and lower OHRQoL in affected children (OR = 1.72, 95% CI = 0.99-2.98). Concerning MIH severity and its impact on OHRQoL, a sum of 6 studies were included in the meta-analysis involving a total of 2,595 children. There was a significant association between moderate/severe MIH and lower OHRQoL in affected children (OR = 3.43, 95% CI = 1.69-6.98).

Conclusion

Moderate/Severe MIH has a significant and clinically relevant negative impact on OHRQoL, and it should therefore be addressed adequately. Future research should also consider the impact of a uniform MIH diagnosis and precise severity criteria.

Treatment Approaches to Molar Incisor Hypomineralization: A Systematic Review

AIM

This systematic review aimed to comprehensively evaluate the available literature on treating molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) or enamel hypomineralization published between 2013 and 2023, focusing on identifying relevant studies and their characteristics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The search process encompassed reputable academic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, using a precise keyword strategy ("((molar incisor hypomineralization) OR (enamel hypomineralization)) AND (treatment)"). A total of 637 articles were initially retrieved, followed by a strict selection process adhering to PRISMA guidelines. The inclusion criteria encompassed Randomized Control Trials (RCTs), case series with more than five clinical cases (CSs), studies involving human participants, availability as free full-text or accessible with university credentials, and English-language publications. Exclusion criteria included systematic or literature reviews, editorials, single-case reports, studies conducted in vitro, those involving animals, paid articles, and non-English-language publications.

RESULTS

The search yielded 864 articles, of which 23 met the stringent inclusion criteria after a meticulous selection process. These studies will serve as the basis for a comprehensive analysis of MIH treatment approaches. The systematic review ensures the quality and relevance of the chosen studies for a detailed assessment of MIH treatment strategies.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review will provide valuable insights into the characteristics of selected studies, patient profiles, and available treatment options for molar incisor hypomineralization, contributing to a better understanding of this dental condition's management.

[Effect of molar incisor hypomineralization on oral health-related quality of life in children and adolescents: a systematic review]

Introduction

Hypersensitivity, altered dental appearance and fractures are common problems in molar incisor hypomineralization that generate functional and socio-emotional problems.

Objective

to evaluate the effect of MIH on oral health-related quality of life in children and adolescents.

Materials and methods

A systematic bibliographic search was carried out in electronic databases (Pubmed, Epistemonikos, Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source and Virtual Health Library). Observational studies in English or Spanish conducted between 2016-2022 that evaluated the quality of life of children and adolescents with molar incisor hypomineralization were identified. Most studies were of good methodological quality.

Results

Of 96 identified studies, thirteen were included in the synthesis. The most frequent diagnostic criterion for hypomineralization of molar incisors was the index of the European Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and nine studies reported the severity of the disease. The most widely used scale to measure quality of life was the Child Perception Questionnaire (CPQ). According to the children's perception, the most affected dimensions were "Oral Symptoms" and "Emotional Well-Being", according to the parents they were "Oral Symptoms" and "Functional Limitations". Girls with molar incisor hypomineralization had worse oral health-related quality of life.

Conclusions

The negative effect of molar incisor hypomineralization on children's oral health-related quality of life seems to vary between the perception of parents and children.

Impact of molar incisor hypomineralization on oral health-related quality of life in 8-10 years old children: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) and its different severities on various aspects of oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in children between 8 and 10 years of age.

DATA SOURCES

The search terms were chosen according to the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and non-MeSH. Potentially eligible studies involved the OHRQoL evaluation in 8-10 years old children with MIH. An electronic search of published studies was carried out in August 2022 on Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed databases. Of 130 papers retrieved initially, 21 were eligible to be included in the systematic review, of which 8 were excluded. The OHRQoL questionnaires used in the studies included Caregivers Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ) 8-10, Child Oral Health Impact Profile questionnaire, and Child Oral Impacts on Daily Performances questionnaire. Nine studies using CPQ8-10 contributed to the meta-analysis.

RESULTS

According to meta-analysis, the results revealed that in MIH children a significant increase was observed in the total score of CPQ 810 with the pooled mean of 15.89 (95% confidence interval [CI]:8.95-22.84; P-value = .001) and in oral symptoms, functional limitation and emotional well-being domains with the pooled means of 6.25 (95% CI:4.01-8.50; P-value = .001), 3.88 (95% CI:1.93-5.83; P-value = 0.001), and 3.24 (95% CI:0.96-5.52; P-value = .01), respectively. While the increase in social well-being with the pooled mean of 1.65 (95% CI: -0.47 to 3.76; P-value = .13) was not significant. Subgroup analysis based on MIH severity showed no significant difference in OHRQoL means for all variables.

CONCLUSION

Suffering from MIH, negatively affected the total score and all domains of the CPQ 8-10 questionnaire, except for social well-being. Furthermore, different severities of MIH had no significant impact on OHRQoL in children.

Determination of dental caries, molar-incisor hypomineralization, and oral health-related quality of life in schoolchildren: A structural equation modeling approach

BACKGROUND

Some oral conditions can have psychosocial consequences that affect children's daily life and well-being.

AIM

To create a structural model for the determination of dental caries, molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH), and the impact of these conditions and socioeconomic status on schoolchildren's oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL).

DESIGN

A representative cross-sectional study was conducted in Lavras, Brazil, with 1181 female and male schoolchildren 8-9 years of age. OHRQoL was measured using the Brazilian version of the CPQ8-10. Clinical examinations were performed by a calibrated dentist for the diagnosis of dental caries (WHO) and MIH (EAPD). Parents/caregivers answered questionnaires addressing the child's medical history and socioeconomic status. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling.

RESULTS

The model revealed that greater MIH severity (β = .874; p < .001) and worse socioeconomic status (β = -.060; p = .001) were associated with a greater number of teeth with caries experience. The higher the number of teeth with caries experience (β = .160; p = .007) and worse socioeconomic status (β = -.164; p < .001), the greater the negative impact on OHRQoL.

CONCLUSION

The model created showed that dental caries and socioeconomic status had a direct negative impact on the OHRQoL of schoolchildren and MIH had an indirect impact mediated by the occurrence of caries experience.

Hypomineralized Teeth and Their Impact on Oral-Health-Related Quality of Life in Primary School Children

BACKGROUND

Molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) has a strong negative effect on oral-health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). Malformed teeth can be hypersensitive, and the discoloration might affect children's appearances, reducing their well-being. The purpose of the study was to investigate how hypomineralized incisors and molars differ in children's perceived OHRQoL.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

252 children aged 7-10 years old were included and subdivided into three equal groups (n = 84). Group A included children with asymptomatic molars and affected incisors. Group B included children presenting only affected molars. Group C was the control group, with children showing no MIH. All participants were asked to complete the German version of the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ-G8-10) to measure OHRQoL.

RESULTS

Participants in the posterior group showed a median total CPQ of 13.4 (±1.7), which was significantly higher than scores in the anterior and control group, which showed a median total CPQ of 8.4 (±1.4) and 4.2 (±0.7), respectively. Children in the posterior group suffered more from oral symptoms and functional limitations, whereas the anterior group dealt more with social and emotional well-being problems.

CONCLUSIONS

The position of the MIH-affected teeth causes different influences on perceived OHRQoL.

Oral Health of Children One to Six Years after Dental Treatment under General Anaesthesia

(1) Background: The aim of this study was to assess oral health in children following dental treatment under general anaesthesia and to obtain information about oral health measures in both the children and their parents. (2) Methods: Children were scheduled for regular dental re-examination one to six years after dental treatment under general anaesthesia. Scores for mixed dmft/DMFT, the plaque control record (PCR), and the gingival bleeding index (GBI) were determined. Information about children’s/parents’ oral hygiene habits and frequency of dental visits was obtained. Scores for mixed dmft/DMFT as assessed before dental treatment under general anaesthesia/at re-examination were compared (Wilcoxon test). (3) Results: From the 134 parents initially contacted, 35 attended regular dental control visits (response rate: 26%) with their children (median age 6 years). Of the 35 children (20 female, 15 male), 18 (51.4%) were healthy and 17 (48.6%) had a pre-existing condition. Mixed dmft/DMFT scores determined at the recall visit differed significantly from the earlier visit (p = 0.006). Children had 1.74 ± 3.64 teeth newly affected by caries. Four children (11.4%) needed dental treatment under general anaesthesia again. Oral hygiene was mediocre (median PCR: 32%). The GBI was high (median: 14%). Children with a high PCR also had a high GBI. (4) Conclusions: Children who had received dental treatment under general anaesthesia still had a high caries risk. Further prophylaxis programs are necessary to prevent caries and further use of general anaesthesia.

Prevalence, Caries, Dental Anxiety and Quality of Life in Children with MIH in Brussels, Belgium

Molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) is a dental enamel pathology responsible for unfavorable functional and aesthetic implications. The objective of this study is to assess the prevalence, dental anxiety, and quality of life related to oral health in children with MIH. In 14 schools in Brussels, Belgium, 290 children aged 8 to 9.5 answered Children’s Fear Survey Schedule-Dental Subscale (CFSS-DS) and Child-Oral Impact on Daily Performance (C-OIDP) questionnaires to assess dental anxiety and quality of life related to oral health (OHRQoL). Oral examinations allowed us to detect MIH according to standardized criteria. The MIH prevalence was 18.6%. The Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth index (DMFT index) of MIH patients was significantly higher than non-MIH patients (p < 0.001), mainly due to more restored teeth. There was no significant association between MIH and dental anxiety or OHRQoL. Caries in the deciduous dentition was significantly associated with impaired quality of life. The MIH prevalence in Brussels is comparable to other European countries. MIH had no significant impact on dental anxiety and OHRQoL in this sample. The dynamic nature of MIH lesions requires early diagnosis and management to limit the evolution of the severity of the lesions and their implications. It is possible that older age groups may present more symptoms, however, this would require a longitudinal study.

Treatment of Severe Caries and Molar Incisor Hypomineralization and Its Influence on Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Children: A Comparative Study

BACKGROUND

Treatment of oral diseases can have a long-lasting impact on a child's life well beyond its childhood years. The purpose of this study was to compare the impact of treatment on the oral-health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of children with severe caries and severe molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH).

METHODS

A total of 210 children (mean age 9 years; 49% female) with severe caries (inner third of dentin) and severe MIH (post-eruptive breakdown, crown destruction) were included in the study. Both groups were matched according to age, gender, and social status. The German version of the Child Perception Questionnaire for 8-10-year-olds (CPQ-G8-10) was used before and after treatment to analyze the impact on OHRQoL.

RESULTS

Patients with severe MIH showed a significantly higher total CPQ score (17.8 (±10.6)) before treatment compared to the caries group (13.8 (±14.3)). The mean CPQ score in all subdomains decreased significantly after therapy in the MIH group. Children with severe carious lesions had similar results except in the domain "functional limitations", as treatment led to only minor changes (2.9 (±3.6) to 2.2 (±2.6)).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite a narrower treatment spectrum, patients with severe MIH experienced a greater overall improvement in OHRQoL compared to the caries group.