The Prevalence and Severity of Molar Incisor Hypomineralisation In Dubai, UAE, A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and severity of Molar Incisor Hypominerlisation (MIH) among school children in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). A randomized cluster sample of 8 to 12 year-old children had their first permanent molars and permanent incisors (index teeth) evaluated for prevalence and severity of MIH using the criteria of the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry. The examinations were conducted at public schools by two calibrated examiners. A total of 342 children (mean age = 9.46) were randomly selected from public schools in Dubai and Hatta (rural area). The prevalence of MIH was 27.2 % in Dubai, (93 out of 342 children); there were no significant differences between Dubai and Hatta. The prevalence of MIH was significantly greater in girls (32.6%) compared to (18.1%) in boys with a p-value of 0.002. The prevalence of MH was higher than MIH: 61 out of 93 children (65.6%) had MH, compared to 32 out of 93 children (34.4%) who had MIH. MH in maxillary molars was significantly higher than mandibular molars, 20.8% compared to 14.6% (p= <0.005). Maxillary incisors were effected more by MIH 8.8% compare to mandibular incisors (0.9%) (p= <0.001). The presence of demarcated opacities was significantly higher in girls than boys (p = 0.002). Moreover, a large majority of the children with MIH in the present study (53%) presented with mild defects, (17%) moderate defect and (30%) severe defects. The prevalence of MIH in school children in Dubai was 27.2 percent. Location and age appeared to have no significant correlation with MIH except in gender. Girls had more MIH than boys (P=0.002), which warrants further research.