Projects

003 – Molar incisor hypomineralisation

  • Chief Investigator A: E/Prof Louise Brearley Messer AM
  • Chief Investigator B: Prof David Manton
  • Associate Investigators: Dr Karen Kan, Dr Fiona Ng, Dr Kelly Oliver, Clinical A/Prof Christopher Olsen, Dr John Sheahan, Dr Margarita Silva, Dr Narisha Chawla
  • Support: Australian and New Zealand Society of Paediatric Dentistry (Vic) and eviDent Foundation

About

Molar-Incisor Hypomineralisation (MIH) and Molar Hypomineralisation (MH) are two related conditions affecting first permanent molars and/or incisors. The exact causal factors are still unknown, so primary prevention is difficult. Many of these teeth provide great clinical challenges as they are sensitive, difficult to anaesthetise and restorations fail readily.

Aims

  • Investigate the distribution and severity of MIH/MH in children attending four participating specialist paediatric dental practices in Melbourne
  • Trial the use of the newly developed MH Severity Index (MHSI) in these practices to assist in the early detection, diagnosis and treatment of MIH/MH
  • Propose new clinical management protocols for affected dentitions to maximise oral health and improve clinical outcomes.

Results

The project:

  • Provided a detailed description of six characteristics of hypomineralisation of first
  • permanent molars (FPMs) and permanent incisors. The condition was found to conform to a spectrum of increasing severity from MH to MIH
  • Produced an information sheet about MH
  • Found that the trial of the MHSI was predictive of treatment undertaken for affected FPMs and the Index can guide clinical management of affected children.

View the Information about molar hypomineralisation factsheet.