Cross-Sectional survey to ascertain the prevalence of Molar Incisor Hypo-mineralization in the Trinidad and Tobago population

Aim: To determine the prevalence of molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) in 11 to 12-year olds in the Trinidad and Tobago population and to determine if there is any association with ethnicity and gender.

Design: Cross-sectional survey.

Materials and Methods: First permanent molars and all permanent incisors were examined in 532 children comprising 317 females (58.1%) and 229 males (41.9%). The sample were 11-12 years olds (mean age 11.9 years) in high schools across Trinidad and Tobago. Examinations were conducted by one examiner.

Results: Afro-Trinidadian subjects comprised 62% of the sample, Indo- Trinidadian subjects 22 % and Mixed ethnicity 16%. 7 out of 532 subjects had at least one molar with hypomineralization which represents overall prevalence of 1.3%. Maxillary molars were more frequently hypomineralized and females showed a higher prevalence than males.

Conclusion: The prevalence of molar incisor hypomineralization in Trinidad and Tobago population was 1.3% in the 11-12 ears age group.