It will be useful for the children who are suspected to suffer from MIH to visit their dentist more frequently during the eruption of their first permanent molars to prevent any further complications affecting their oral health. Signs and symptoms
The distribution of disease in those affected with MIH can vary greatly. It can be common for the enamel of one molar to be affected while the enamel of the contralateral molar is clinically unaffected, or with minor defects only. Lesions
The lesions that appear in teeth affected with MIH can present as opacities that vary from white to yellow-brown. They are usually asymmetrical in appearance, with a sharp demarcation that distinguishes between normal and affected enamel. The lesions usually do not involve the cervical third of affected teeth. Post-eruptive breakdown
Post-eruptive breakdown (PEB) is a clinical feature, often observed in the majority of severely affected cases. The rate of PEB may be increased by the loading of masticatory forces on enamel weakened by MIH. The lesions resulting from PEB are irregularly shaped, with rough margins from the shearing of the enamel. PEB is more likely to occur in MIH affected teeth with yellow or brown opacities rather than those with white opacities, as darker lesions reflect a greater deficit in mineral content. Atypical caries
Teeth affected with MIH are at an increased risk of acquiring dental caries. This is because the properties of the enamel are altered by increased porosity and decreased hardness.
Worldwide there is much variation between continents with South America having the highest prevalence (18%), closely followed by Oceania (16.3%). The continent found to have least sufferers was Africa (10.9%).Multiple studies have provided evidence that there is no gender difference. However, a study by Kathmandu University reports that post eruptive breakdown occurs more frequently in boys than it does in girls. A different study found that children under the age of 10 are more highly affected by the disease (15.1%) compared to older children (12.1%). == References ==