Molar Incisor Hypo-mineralization; Prevalence and Etiological Factors of School Children in Gharbia Governorate

Aims: The goals of the present study were to determine the prevalence of molar incisor hypo-mineralization (MIH) and identify factors that might increase the risk of developing this condition on a sample of children in Gharbia Governorate.Settings and Design: This study was conducted as an observational cross-sectional study with a sample size of 1452 children of primary schools in Gharbia Governorate.Subjects and Methods: The study employed a multi-stage cluster sampling approach. The clinical assessments were performed in a classroom environment, equipped with headlights and disposable dental examination supplies. Each index tooth was evaluated for MIH based on the scoring system defined by the European Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (EAPD). A questionnaire with a validated Arabic version was given to the parents of children to detect the probable etiological factors of MIH.Results: This study involving 1452 children (49.4% male, 50.6% female) found a 17.2% prevalence of MIH. Key findings include no significant gender difference in MIH prevalence, a higher rate in public schools, and a significant association between MIH and a history of breastfeeding insufficiency, breathing problems, and otitis media.Conclusions: In schoolchildren of Gharbia Governorate, MIH is common. Our findings revealed no gender-based predilection for MIH. Essentially, only inadequate breastfeeding, breathing problems, and otitis media emerged as significant predictors of the condition.