The prevalence and severity of molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) among 8 year-old children in Amman, Jordan

Background: Little prevalence studies relating to molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) exist for Middle East populations in general and among Jordanian children in particular. Aim: To assess the prevalence and severity of MIH in a group of 3rd year class school children resident in Amman, Jordan as well as to describe its distribution in first permanent molars and incisors. Methods: A cross-sectional study with a representative sample was used. A simple random sampling technique produced 1412 school children aged 8-9- years. All children were examined by a single calibrated examiner. The first permanent molars and incisors were examined for molar incisor hypomineralization using the chart of Ghanim et al. based on the criteria of European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (EAPD). Analysis of data was performed with a p value set at 0.05. Results: Of a total of 1412 schoolchildren 186 (13.17%) were diagnosed with MIH. Maxillary teeth were more commonly affected than the mandibular but the difference was not significant (p>0.05) and the maxillary molar was the most affected. Demarcated creamy white opacities were most frequently encountered followed by post eruptive breakdown. Atypical restorations and caries because of MIH were uncommon. More than the half of teeth was diagnosed with severe form of MIH. The severity increases with the increase of number of affected molars. Conclusion: Molar incisor hypomineralization was high among the children examined. Demarcated opacities were more frequent than breakdown. The severity of the lesions increased with the number of affected teeth.