Work

Association between molar–incisor hypomineralization and developmental dental anomalies in U.S. children: a cross-sectional study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To compare the frequency of developmental dental anomalies (DDAs) in children with and without molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH), and to evaluate whether any association is independent of demographic factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This comparative cross-sectional study included children aged 6-14 years with and without MIH. Demographic data were collected by structured maternal questionnaire. MIH was diagnosed by calibrated examiners using a validated MIH Index. DDAs were assessed on panoramic radiographs by a blinded examiner using predefined criteria. Group comparisons used Fisher's exact test (two-sided), and multivariable logistic regression estimated adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), adjusting for country of birth, sex, and ethnicity. RESULTS: In total, 159 children were enrolled. Any DDA was more frequent in the MIH group than in the non-MIH group (39.5% vs. 13.7%; p < 0.001). Short root anomaly (14.0% vs. 1.4%; p = 0.003) and taurodontism (7.4% vs. 0.0%; p = 0.031) were also more frequent with MIH, whereas microdontia of the maxillary lateral incisors was more frequent numerically but not significantly (5.8% vs. 0.0%; p = 0.063). MIH remained independently associated with any DDA in multivariable analysis (aOR = 4.52; 95% CI: 1.97-10.33; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Children with MIH had greater odds of concurrent DDAs than children without MIH, most often short root anomaly. Individual anomaly estimates were imprecise owing to few events. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Children with MIH may present with concurrent DDAs, highlighting the potential value of comprehensive clinical assessment and appropriate radiographic evaluation when clinically indicated.

Source: Clinical Oral Investigations

DOI: 10.1007/s00784-026-07239-2