Study Links Molar Incisor Hypomineralization to Increased Risk of Periodontitis in Adolescents

Molar Incisor Hypomineralization, a developmental condition characterized by hypomineralization of the first permanent molars and incisors, has been linked to various dental issues. However, its potential impact on periodontal health, particularly in adolescents, has not been extensively studied until now. Periodontitis, an inflammatory condition that affects the supporting structures of the teeth, is a major concern, as it can lead to tooth loss if left untreated.

Against the above background, Cecilia Claudia Costa Ribeiro, Department of Dentistry II, Federal University of Maranhão (UFMA), São Luis, Maranhão, Brazil, and colleagues aimed to explore the relationship between molar incisor hypomineralization and periodontitis in adolescents.

For this purpose, the researchers conducted a population-based study of Brazilian adolescents aged 18 and 19 years (n=2515) to assess the association between MIH and periodontitis. MIH was evaluated using Ghanim's criteria. Periodontitis indicators, including bleeding on probing (BoP), probing pocket depth (PPD ≥4 mm), and clinical attachment level (CAL ≥3 mm), were used to estimate a continuous latent variable for periodontitis.

The researchers applied structural equation modeling, adjusting for socioeconomic status, sex, smoking, triglycerides/high-density lipoprotein (TG/HDL), and visible plaque index. Sensitivity analyses included logistic regression to assess MIH’s effect on periodontitis at the individual level and multilevel regression to examine MIH’s impact on CAL and PPD at the tooth level.

The study revealed the following findings:

• The prevalence of MIH in the study was 16.86% (n=423).
• Individuals with MIH showed higher values for Periodontitis Indicators through a direct pathway (standardized coefficient [SC] = 0.193) and indirectly mediated by biofilm (SC = 0.263).
• MIH was also associated with periodontitis according to CDC-AAP criteria (SC = 0.071), with an indirect mediation effect through biofilm (SC = 0.344).
• Lower socioeconomic status, sex, TG/HDL levels, and biofilm were consistently linked to both periodontal outcomes.
• Tooth-level sensitivity regression analysis confirmed the association observed in the individual-level analyses.

"The study highlights the need for heightened awareness and proactive management of periodontal health in adolescents with MIH. With early detection and appropriate care, the risk of developing periodontitis can be mitigated, helping to preserve the long-term dental health of these individuals," the researchers concluded.

Reference:

Pereira Franco, M. M., Costa Ribeiro, C. C., Costa Ladeira, L. L., Brondani, M. A., Abreu Fonseca Thomaz, E. B., & Coelho Alves, C. M. Molar Incisor Hypomineralization and Periodontitis in Adolescents: A Population-Based Study. Journal of Clinical Periodontology. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpe.14123