Molar Incisor Hypomineralization: Morphological, Aetiological, Epidemiological and Clinical Considerations

The prevalence of dental caries has been reduced over the years due to increased access of fluorides, such as fluoride tooth paste, to dental services and to oral health education on the great part of the population. However, a significant portion of the same population still remains undertreated and show dental cavities as after-effects of this oral disease. In spite of dental caries is strongly influenced by social, economic, cultural, religious and environmental factors, its severity may be increased by structural changes of enamel/dentin such those observed in cases of molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH). In a Brazilian survey, children with MIH showed higher caries experience in the permanent dentition than the general population of similar age. (da Costa-Silva et al., 2010) The MIH increases the dental caries risk as consequence of affected teeth because they are not only soft and porous enamel teeth but also very sensitive to stimuli making effective oral hygiene difficult. (Kilpatrick, 2009) Several aetiological factors are mentioned as the cause of MIH (Alaluusua, 2010, Lygidakis et al., 2010, Crombie et al., 2009, Brook, 2009) and they are frequently associated with childhood diseases or nutritional conditions during the first three years of life. (Fagrell et al., 2011)