Molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is defined as a developmentally derived dental defect that involves hypomineralization of one to four first permanent molars (FPM) and is frequently associated with similarly affected permanent maxillary and mandibular incisors.
Clinically, MIH may present as discrete, opaque lesions, ranging from white to yellow-brown, distinct from the more diffuse linear opacities usually observed in fluorosis.
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MIH may be associated with post-eruptive enamel loss, making it potentially difficult to distinguish from enamel hypoplasia.
Affected teeth can present high sensitivity to temperature variations and tooth brushing, even when the enamel is clinically intact. MIH may co-occur with many dental problems, including fast development of carious lesions and repeated need for dental treatment.
The condition has also been referred to as a risk factor for dental caries in populations with a low prevalence of this problem.
Different prevalence rates have been reported for MIH in various areas of the world, ranging from 2.5 to 40.2% 7-10. In Brazil, the prevalence of MIH is considered high, varying from 19.8 7 to 40.2% 10.
These figures underscore the importance of better investigating this type of defect.
The aim of this article was to report three cases of MIH in patients treated at the Pediatric Dentistry Clinic of Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, and to briefl y discuss the etiology, diagnosis and treatment adopted in the three cases.
