PERSPECTIVES ON MOLAR INCISOR HYPOMINERALIZATION: INVESTIGATING PREVALENCE, IMPACT ON QUALITY OF LIFE AND PREVENTIVE APPROACHES: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Background: Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH), is a developmental enamel defect that affects first permanent molars and incisors. This condition makes diagnosis and treatment difficult and significantly challenges oral health and quality of life.

Aim: To conduct a comprehensive review of the literature to determine the prevalence of MIH on global, Asian, and Indian populations considering diverse populations and geographic contexts specifically on children.

Method: The website of PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar were explored using a detailed electronic search for finding relevant studies from the year 2004 till the year 2024. The criteria of inclusion expanded to interventional as well as observational research studies about the prevalence of MIH, quality of life assessments, and prevention strategies among children up to 13 years. Standard tools and methods were adopted for data extraction as well as quality assessment. Prospero registration is completed with registration id CRD42024618619.

Results: The range of the prevalence of MIH worldwide varies between 2.4% and 40.2% and is significantly heterogeneous between regions. Quality of life was affected badly for children suffering from MIH due to pain upon mastication, hypersensitivity, psychological and social issues. The prevention of symptoms and further progression by the application of fluoride and casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) showed a moderate efficacy.

Conclusion: MIH is a very common condition and badly affects the quality of life. The review emphasizes on the importance of early diagnosis, multidisciplinary approaches and public awareness for the attenuation of burden of MIH.