Are childhood diseases associated with Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization? – Results from an observational study

Abstract Objective This observational study aimed to investigate the potential association between reported childhood diseases and medications during early infancy and the later appearance of molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH). Materials and methods As part of a prospectively designed epidemiological study, 5,418 Bavarian children aged 8 to 10 were examined for the presence of caries (WHO standard) and MIH (EAPD criteria). In addition, each child received a questionnaire to be completed by their parents. A total of 1,315 questionnaires were returned, containing complete information on childhood diseases, medication and socioeconomic status. Marginalized zero-inflated negative binomial regression models were constructed. Results A total of 263 children (20.0%) were diagnosed with MIH, with a mean of 3.3 (± 2.0) MIH-affected teeth. In cases of bronchitis (IRR 1.25 with 95% CI 1.07–1.46), otitis media (aOR 1.91 with 95% CI 1.30–2.80), eye diseases, allergies, speech disorders, worm infections and cardiac diseases, significant associations were found for the presence of MIH. In addition, a significant association between antibiotic use and MIH was confirmed (first year of life: IRR 1.45 with 95% CI 1.15–1.83; aOR 1.86 with 95% CI 1.13–3.05/second year of life: IRR 1.35 with 95% CI 1.05–1.77; aOR 1.36 with 95% CI 1.05–1.77). Conclusions The associations were mostly associated with low case numbers and accordingly cannot explain the documented MIH prevalence of 20.0%. Therefore, childhood diseases and antibiotic use probably do not solely contribute to MIH development. Clinical relevance MIH aetiology remains unclear, indicating a need for further research.