Prevalence and Clinical Patterns of Molar-Incisor Hypomineralisation (MIH) and Hypomineralised Second Primary Molars (HSPM) in Italian and Turkish Children Aged 6-16: an epidemiological comparative cross-sectional study.

AIM: To define MIH prevalence, HSPM co-presence, and delineate MIH/HSPM clinical patterns in Italian and Turkish children. BACKGROUND: Molar Incisor Hypomineralisation (MIH) and Hypomineralised Second Primary Molars (HSPM) are worldwide spread developmental enamel defects, with an increasing number of cases. METHODS: 840 children (390 Italian, 450 Turkish) aged 6-16 years old were examined by two calibrated dentists. MIH and HSPM were diagnosed according to the European Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (EAPD) criteria. HSPM co-presence was evaluated in MIH-affected children having at least one second primary molar (SPM). The MIH/HSPM charting format for primary and permanent dentitions (long form) was used to record hypomineralised teeth. CONCLUSION: MIH prevalence was similar in Italy and Turkey; HSPM was lower in Turkish children. More epidemiological standardised studies on large cohorts of subjects are needed.