Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization Is Associated with the Prevalence of Thinness among Schoolchildren in Communities with Different Fluoride Levels in the Drinking Water.

Objective: To examine the association between molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) and the prevalence of thinness among Mexican schoolchildren in communities with different fluoride levels in the drinking water.

Methods: A cross-sectional study on Mexican children (n = 488) selected from two communities presenting different concentrations of fluoride in the drinking water (1.0-1.40 ppm/F). The World Health Organization (WHO) growth standards were used to calculate BMI-for-age z-scores, with BMI z-score cutoff points of <-2.0, >+1.0, >+2.0 recommended for defining thinness, being overweight, and obesity. The presence and severity of MIH were evaluated using the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (EAPD) criteria. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to assess the association, adjusting for confounders.

Results: The proportion of children presenting thinness, being overweight, and obesity was 8.2%, 23.6%, and 28.7%, respectively, while 21.5% of the schoolchildren had MIH, classified, by severity, as 9.6% mild, 6.4% moderate, and 5.5% severe. Of those schoolchildren presenting thinness, 16.2% had MIH, and only 6.0% did not (p  < 0.001). Finally, schoolchildren presenting thinness were more likely to present MIH (OR = 2.76 (CI 95% 1.33-5.73); p=0.006) than children with a normal BMI.

Conclusion: The present study found a relationship between thinness and the presence of MIH in schoolchildren, indicating the need for strategies and interventions aimed at preventing and controlling micronutrient deficiencies in the child population.