A follow-up study of children referred for management of Molar Incisor Hypomineralisation: an analysis of treatments received, changes in self-reported oral health-related quality of life, dental fear and anxiety, and the impact of the condition and treatment on the child’s family

Introduction: There is currently only limited data about the longer-term
impact of Molar Incisor Hypomineralisation (MIH) on affected children and
their families.

Aims: This follow-up study aimed to investigate the impacts that MIH, and its
management, have on affected children and their families.

Methods: 18 children, originally referred to a specialist centre for the
management of MIH, were re-recruited for this follow-up study. Pre-treatment
OHRQoL and DFA were captured post-treatment and compared with pre-
treatment OHRQoL and DFA scores previously captured using the same
tools. Details of original diagnosis, treatment and patient management were
captured from clinic records. The Family Impact Scale questionnaire was used
to captured family impact.

Results: Follow-up OHRQoL and DFA scores showed little average change
from pre-treatment baseline. There was a small decrease in average
OHRQoL and a small increase in average DFA, but the majority reported
decreased DFA and increased OHRQoL (especially Functional well-being).
Only two subjects had permanent molar extractions of under LA, but
reported the largest increases in DFA. All but one of those receiving
treatment under general anaesthesia had MIH classified as severe at initial
diagnosis. Family impact was generally low, being greatest on
parental/family activities. Financial impact was scored as zero by all, but
longer-duration of the journey to the specialist centre was associated with
greater impact. Children and their families praised the dental team regarding
explanation of procedures and communication, but reported problems with
waiting times and appointment booking.

Conclusions: Whilst the small numbers of subjects recruited for this follow-
up study precludes drawing firm conclusions, some interesting trends worthy
of further investigation were identified. With the possible exception of
permanent molar extractions under LA, MIH and its treatment seemed to
have little effect on OHRQoL and DFA. Problems highlighted included,
waiting times and appointment booking.