Molar incisor hypomineralisation: A review of its current concepts and management

Abstract

Over the past two decades, there is an increasing number of congenital defects affecting enamel mineralisation referred to as "molar incisor hypomineralisation" (MIH). This defect usually involves one to four permanent first molars and permanent incisors. Clinically, the defect presents as opaque lesions varying in colour from white to yellow or brown, with a sharp demarcation between the affected and sound enamel to posteruptive enamel breakdown. The destruction of enamel is so rapid and clinically, it presents as if the enamel has not formed at all. It has been postulated that MIH is a consequence of a variety of environmental factors acting systemically, which disturb the ameloblasts during amelogenesis. However, the possibility of a genetic component in the development of MIH cannot be excluded. Management of MIH always pose a big problem to the clinicians, as well as for the child due to severe sensitivity caused by the defective enamel.

Keywords

• aetiology
• molar incisor hypomineralisation defects
• molar incisor hypomineralisation prevalence
• molar incisor hypomineralisation
• permanent first molars
• permanent incisors