Author(s): Omar Abd El Sadek El Meligy, Sumer Medani Alaki and Sulaiman Mohamed Allazzam
Molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH), which refers to the clinical picture of hypomineralization of systemic origin affecting one or more first permanent molars (FPMs), frequently in association with affected incisors, is one of the major developmental defects of dental enamel. While this condition is of interest to clinical practitioners worldwide, there is little information regarding its prevalence and etiology, especially in the Middle East. The purpose of this review was to describe the prevalence and possible etiological factors of molar incisor hypomineralization in children. About 252 articles were reviewed as well as some references of selected articles. Twenty-six recent studies described the prevalence and possible etiological factors of molar incisor hypomineralization in children. The prevalence of MIH appears to be increasing and was associated with health problems during early childhood, including asthma, adenoid infection, tonsillitis, fevers, and antibiotic intake. Although the etiology may be multifactorial, children born preterm and those with poor general health or systemic conditions in their early life may develop MIH.
