Assessing the prevalence of molar-incisor hypomineralization and its effects on oral health-related quality of life in children aged 8-12 years in the city of Kerman, Iran

BACKGROUND an‎d AIM: Molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is known as a developmental defect in enamel structure and shape seen in one to four permanent first molar teeth, usually affecting incisors. MIH can also influence children’s self-confidence and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), as an index to assess the effect of oral and orofacial diseases on individuals’ health status, mood, and sense quality which are specifically measured in children and teenagers through the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ8-10 or CPQ11-14). Accordingly, this study aimed to examine the prevalence of MIH and the effects of MIH on OHRQoL during mixed dentition period in Kerman, Iran. METHODS: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was performed on a total number of 2507 children aged 8-12 years in public schools selected using cluster random sampling method. Clinical examination was correspondingly done under daylight with a dental probe and a disposable dental mirror by a calibrated dental student. The data were coded and imported into the SPSS software wherein chi-square test, independent t-test, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were employed for analyses. The significance level was also set at 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 129 (5.14%) students were diagnosed with MIH. The mean score of OHRQoL according to the standard CPQ8-10 or CPQ11-14 in children with MIH in this study was 19.9 ± 15.1, ranged from 0 to 82. Moreover, girls suffering from MIH had lower OHRQoL compared with boys (P = 0.006). CONCLUSION: MIH had a negative impact on OHRQoL in children.