Background: Molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) has a strong negative effect on oral-health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). Malformed teeth can be hypersensitive, and the discoloration might affect children's appearances, reducing their well-being. The purpose of the study was to investigate how hypomineralized incisors and molars differ in children's perceived OHRQoL.
Materials and methods: 252 children aged 7-10 years old were included and subdivided into three equal groups (n = 84). Group A included children with asymptomatic molars and affected incisors. Group B included children presenting only affected molars. Group C was the control group, with children showing no MIH. All participants were asked to complete the German version of the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ-G8-10) to measure OHRQoL.
Results: Participants in the posterior group showed a median total CPQ of 13.4 (±1.7), which was significantly higher than scores in the anterior and control group, which showed a median total CPQ of 8.4 (±1.4) and 4.2 (±0.7), respectively. Children in the posterior group suffered more from oral symptoms and functional limitations, whereas the anterior group dealt more with social and emotional well-being problems.
Conclusions: The position of the MIH-affected teeth causes different influences on perceived OHRQoL.
Keywords: Children Perceptions Questionnaire; molar–incisor hypomineralization; oral-health-related quality of life; pediatric dentistry.