Impact of Molar Incisor Hypomineralization on Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Brazilian Schoolchildren Aged 8 to 10 Years

Objective: To assess the impact of Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) and confounding factors on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) according to the perception of 8 to 10-year-old children and their parents/caregivers. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study including 403 students aged 8-10 years was carried out, in which OHRQoL was measured using the Child Perceptions Questionnaire administered to both children and parents/caregivers. The diagnosis of MIH was performed according to the previously proposed index. Dental caries experience, malocclusion, and sociodemographic factors were evaluated as confounders. Cluster analysis and Poisson regression with robust variance (p<0.05) were performed. Results: The prevalence of MIH was 13.4%. Parents/caregivers of children with MIH in incisors showed a higher impact prevalence in the emotional well-being domain (PR=1.92; 95%CI=1.16-3.19). Children with hypoplasia had a higher prevalence of negative impact on OHRQoL in the oral symptoms domain (PR=1.51; 95%CI=1.03-2.23). According to the perception of parents/caregivers, dental caries experience had a negative impact on the quality of life of students in the emotional well-being domain (PR=4.19; 95%CI=1.06-16.49) and in the total questionnaire score (PR=3.21; 95%CI=1.06-9.71). Conclusion: According to the perception of parents/caregivers, children with MIH in incisors showed a greater impact on OHRQoL. Additionally, the presence of hypoplasia affected the self-perception of OHRQoL in children, and caries experience influenced the OHRQoL of children, as perceived by parents/caregivers.