Impact of molar incisor hypomineralization and hypersensitivity on oral health-related quality of life

Abstract

Objectives: Evaluate the impact of molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) and hypersensitivity on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in school children. Materials and Methods: A representative random sample of 568 eight-year-old children, enrolled in public schools in Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil, were selected. The children were clinically evaluated to diagnose MIH by Ghanin (2015) criteria, hypersensitivity by the Schiff Cold Air Sensitivity Scale (SCASS) scale, and dental caries by ICDAS criteria. OHRQoL was assessed by the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ_8-10) and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory^TM (PedsQL™). The OHRQoL scores were compared according to the clinical outcomes by the U - Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis test. The CPQ and PedsQL™ scores were tested by Spearman correlation (𝛂=0.05). Results: The prevalence of MIH was 17% (IC95% 14% - 20%), in which 36,1% was mild and 63,9% moderated/severe. Although the presence of MIH did not impact significantly OHRQoL, children with severe MIH harmed the OHRQoL. Thus, the presence of hypersensitivity reports in MIH-affected teeth or the presence of post-eruptive or dental caries cavity in MIH-affected teeth impacts significantly the OHRQoL, for both questionnaires (p<0,05). The scores of both Questionnaires had a significantly strong correlation (r=-0,761;p<0,05). Conclusions: Only the presence of MIH did not impact the OHRQoL, however, the clinical consequences of MIH, such as post-eruptive or cavity caries lesions and the presence of hypersensitivity harmed OHRQoL. Clinical Relevance: Dental hypersensitivity is a common symptom present in cases of hypomineralization, recognizing its impact on quality of life makes it possible to develop patient-centered outcomes.