Prevalence and severity of molar incisor hypomineralization among children in Madinah, Saudi Arabia: A school-based cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) is a multifactorial qualitative enamel defect that affects permanent molars and incisors, leading to increased sensitivity, a higher risk of cavities, aesthetic concerns, and difficulties in maintaining oral hygiene. Materials and methods A School-based cross-sectional studies involving stratified random sampling of nine primary schools in Madinah city. Parental consent, clinical examinations using Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth DMFT/dmft and the European Academy of Pediatric Dentistry standards MIH criteria, a validated questionnaire in Arabic language for demographic and health data, and statistical analysis via SPSS, with high reliability in examiner assessments. Results The study involved 1,557 children, with 825 (53%) diagnosed with Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH); 374 (24%) had affected incisors, while 453 (29.1%) had four teeth affected with MIHf, and the mean dmft and DMFT scores were 6.29 ± 4.07, revealing no significant differences in MIH distribution by gender, parental status, or sibling order; clinical examinations showed a high prevalence of white creamy opacity particularly in teeth #16 and #46, and most lesions (55.7% to 88.4%) were in the < 1/3 extension category, indicating an impact on dental health in the population studied. Conclusion In Madinah City, Saudi Arabia, 53.0% of school-age children have MIH and significant dental caries, underscoring the need for MIH screening in dental health programs and public awareness initiatives for early detection and treatment.