Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) in Germany. A secondary goal was to analyze a possible connection between MIH and caries, as well as to investigate the influence of MIH on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL).
Method and materials: All younger adolescents (12-year-olds) from the 6th German Oral Health Study (DMS • 6) were examined for MIH according to the criteria of the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (EAPD). The caries experience and OHRQoL were also determined.
Results: In total, 922 younger adolescents were included in the analysis. The prevalence of MIH was 15.3%; 63.3% of cases were mild forms; 8.2% of affected subjects had a caries experience. OHRQoL did not vary significantly between healthy and MIH-affected children.
Conclusion: In Germany, every seventh child aged 12 years old suffers from MIH. These data on MIH in younger adolescents in Germany conform to data from regional studies; the prevalence is in the upper middle range in an international comparison.
Keywords: dental care, dentists, DMS 6, epidemiology, molar hypomineralization, prevalence, quality of life
