Objective: This cross-sectional study assessed the prevalence and severity of the enamel defects, known as Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) and its relationship to dental caries.
Materials and methods: A sample of 1157 schoolchildren (population based), aged 6-12 years, of the Araraquara city-Brazil, was evaluated according to the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (EAPD) criteria by two trained examiners. The dental impact caused by MIH was evaluated with the Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index (WHO). Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Chi-square tests (p < 0.05). The socioeconomic status was collected using a questionnaire answered by parents.
Results: The prevalence of MIH was 12.3%. Mild impairment was the most frequent diagnosis. DMFT of children with MIH was 0.89 (± 1.18), which are higher than those of the unaffected group (0.43 ± 1.01). An association was found between dental caries only in the permanent dentition of children with MIH (p = 0.0001). Family income was considered low in 85% of the families of children with MIH in the public system, while in private school it was 18% (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: The prevalence of MIH in Araraquara was associated with greater caries experience in the permanent dentition.