Correlation between Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization, Stress, and Family Functioning

AIM: This study aims to assess the relationship between stress, family functioning, and molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 162 children between the ages of 7 and 9 years were included in this retrospective study, as were their respective parents; the children were examined for MIH while questionnaires centering on stress and family functioning were given to the parents. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U test and independent samples T-test.

RESULTS: A significant correlation between stress as a contributing factor and MIH was concluded; children with higher stress scores had higher occurrences of MIH. On the contrary, family functioning quality was not found to have a direct correlation with MIH.

CONCLUSIONS: Stress is correlated to MIH and is potentially one of the main causal factors that contribute to the development of the defect.