Relationship between molar-incisor hypomineralization and the disorders, medications, and environmental factors during perinatal and postnatal periods

BACKGROUND: Molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is a developmental enamel defect of systemic origin. It can compromise function, esthetics, and treatment outcomes. The etiology is multifactorial, involving systemic, perinatal, and environmental factors. AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between MIH and systemic disorders, early childhood medications, and environmental factors in children attending pediatric dental clinics in Erbil, Iraq. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 237 children aged 7-12 years. MIH was diagnosed using the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (2024) criteria. Parents completed a validated 19-item questionnaire covering systemic, medication-related, and environmental factors during the perinatal period. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests (P < 0.05) were applied using SPSS v26. RESULTS: Of 237 children, 16.0% had MIH, 25.2% had non-MIH lesions, and 58.8% were lesion-free. Two significant associations were identified: otitis media before age 3 years (P = 0.0468) and dermatitis requiring medication (P = 0.0259). No significant relationships were found with perinatal or environmental factors. CONCLUSION: MIH was significantly associated with early childhood systemic conditions, particularly otitis media and dermatitis requiring pharmacologic therapy. These findings highlight the importance of integrating early medical histories in pediatric dental risk assessment and preventive planning.