154 - Reduced Oxygenation Events of Early Childhood and Occurrence of Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH)

Purpose: Molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is a common dental pathology characterized by a qualitative defect of enamel, affecting at least one permanent first molar with/without involvement of a permanent incisor. MIH etiology is uncertain, with literature pointing towards a multifactorial cause involving systemic exposures in the first three years of life and possibly a genetic origin. The purpose of this study is to analyze systemic exposures that potentially reduce oxygenation levels and its correlation with the occurrence of MIH in children presenting for dental care at a university-based clinic in a major metropolitan of Texas.

Methods: A total of 116, 6–10-year-old healthy, non-syndromic children were examined. The parent consented and completed a questionnaire to collect data on pre, peri and postnatal exposures affecting oxygenation levels in the first three years of life. One provider evaluated for presence/absence of MIH and obtained intraoral images of permanent molars and incisors. Data was analyzed by Chi-square and Fisher Exact tests, P<.10 considered marginal, and P<.05 considered significant.

Results: MIH prevalence was 20.6% (n=24 cases). Children with MIH experienced more episodes of asthma (20.8% versus 13%, P=.01) and respiratory illness (25% versus 6.5%, P=.02) compared to children without MIH. Mothers of children with MIH had a longer duration of labor that those without MIH (25% versus 8.7%, P=.04). There was a trend for children with MIH to experience more high fevers compared to children without MIH (58.3% versus 33.7%, P=.06). No other pre, peri, or postnatal event was associated with presence/absence of MIH (P>0.1).

Conclusions: Several systemic factors are implicated with MIH. Asthma, respiratory illness, experiencing more frequent febrile episodes in children and longer duration of labor in mothers are positively correlated with the occurrence of MIH.