Correlation between molar-incisor hypomineralization, stress and family functioning in 7-9 years old children in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates / Mesaf Salaheddin Brejawi

Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) is a common dental developmental anomaly characterized by weakened structure of the enamel. Teeth with MIH tend to be weaker and more susceptible to caries and breakage. As a result of this compromised structure of enamel, pediatric patients suffer from a series of problems found to have negative impact not only on the oral cavity, but also on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). Unfortunately, the etiology of MIH has not been understood. Several factors were suggested, yet evidence is still weak to have a solid and clear understanding of the phenomenon. Thus, this study aims to assess the prevalence of MIH in children of the city of Fujairah, United Arab Emirates and to study the effect of stressful events during amelogenesis (during pregnancy and 0-6 years of child's life) on the tendency of children to have MIH, and how the quality of family functioning may positively or negatively interfere to alternate the stressful events’ outcomes on having MIH. A total of 162 children between the ages of 7 and 9 years were included in this retrospective study, as were their respective parents. The children were examined for MIH following Ghanim et al (2015) guidelines. Meanwhile, questionnaires centering on stress and family functioning were given to the parents. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann–Whitney U test and independent samples T-test. The study found that MIH prevalence was 38.9% in the sample. No significant differences were found between genders with higher cases among females, but differences were statistically significant between age groups 8 and 9 years old (p < 0.05). Most of the lesions were mild (62%). Lower right first permanent molars had the highest occurrences and severity of MIH lesions. A significant correlation between stress as a contributing factor and MIH was found; children with higher stress scores had higher occurrences of MIH. On the contrary, family functioning quality was not found to have a direct correlation with MIH. MIH prevalence was high in the city of Fujairah, UAE. Stress is correlated to MIH and is potentially one of the main causal factors that contribute to the development of the defect. More studies utilizing the standardized criteria are required for valid comparisons. Further research on the etiology of MIH is also needed.