What is MIH, this disease that destroys the enamel of children's teeth and promotes cavities?

Still little known, hypomineralization of molars and incisors (MIH) concerns more and more young French people. “Between 10 and 15% of children are affected. But we think that the figures are underestimated,” indicated Christophe Lequart, vice-president of the French Union for Oral Health (UFSBD), during an interview with Parisian Friday.

How to recognize the disease?

Teeth are more sensitive to temperatures, decay more easily and the enamel is weakened. They often have whitish, yellow or brown spots. Fragile, they can break. MIH “is an anomaly. It affects at least one or all four first permanent molars. Permanent incisors can also be affected,” summarizes the Nantes University Hospital on its website.

No treatment exists to combat this disease. To try to reduce it, dentists still have a few weapons at their disposal: applying varnish or fluoride resin, carrying out resin infiltrations or micro-abrasions to remove stains. Sometimes there is no other solution than to pull out diseased teeth.

The right actions to adopt

The causes of MIH are still being investigated. Endocrine disruptors could play a role in the appearance of this disease, in particular bisphenol A, according to Vianney Descroix, professor at the faculty of dental surgery at the University of Paris, head of the odontology department at the hospital of the Pitié-Salpêtrière (AP-HP). Nor does it rule out a genetic factor.

Children affected by MIH need to be more vigilant regarding their oral hygiene. The Nantes University Hospital recommends that they “brush their teeth three times a day with a soft toothbrush and a fluoridated toothpaste appropriate for their age”. They must also “avoid snacking, limit sugary drinks, limit cariogenic foods”. A follow-up with a dental surgeon every three months is strongly recommended.