A major new study has ruled out inflammation as the cause of a developmental condition impacting kids' teeth, while also revealing how common the condition is.
Molar Incisor Hypomineralisation (MIH) is a condition which leads to soft and porous enamel on the back adult molars when they emerge around 6-8 years of age, which can lead to hypersensitive teeth and a higher risk of cavities.
While the cause of the condition is unknown, it was generally believed inflammation caused by common childhood illnesses and high fevers played a part.
However, new research published in theJournal of Dental Research, found inflammation is not to blame.
Researchers from the University of Melbourne, Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI ), Deakin University and Barwon Health used data from a longitudinal cohort called the Barwon Infant Study tracking children from infancy to age 11.
"This condition affects nearly 15 per cent of Australians, so it is quite common and researchers have been eager to understand the potential causes of MIH," lead author and University of Melbourne PhD candidate Dr Stephanie Shields said.
"In this study, we worked with an internationally unique cohort that followed children from pregnancy to primary school. These new findings mean that researchers will need to change focus in the global pursuit of the cause of this condition."
MIH is one of the most common developmental tooth conditions, and children often experience hypersensitivity, rapid decay, unpredictable tooth breakdown that often requires extraction of permanent teeth, and poor aesthetics.
"I describe it to families as being like a birthmark on the adult tooth where the weaker enamel has less minerals and is soft and porous," Dr Shields said.
"Clinical and lab-based research had previously linked early childhood infections and
fevers with an increased risk of MIH.
"We now know it's likely to be a combination of genetics and environmental factors that contribute to this condition, so the focus could now be on whether the condition develops after adaptive immune responses associated with diseases like asthma or eczema."
University of Melbourne Associate Professor Mihiri Silva, who leads the Melbourne Paediatric Oral Health Group, said the team is continuing to work to get to the root cause of the condition .
"Ultimately, what we need is to try and work towards a prevention for MIH, as it is a substantial burden for affected children who are much more likely to have more dental treatment by age 18 compared to those without it," Associate Professor Silva said.
"If it is not properly treated, children can develop pain, infection and require extraction of those adult teeth, so for these children regular check-ups are very important.
"Parents should know this is a common condition that unfortunately we can't prevent, but early intervention is crucial."
