Unilateral Molar Incisor Hypomineralization influences the chewing side? An observational study in children

Abstract Objective: This observational study aims to compare the chewing patterns of children with Unilateral Mild and Severe MIH to those without MIH, based on the hypothesis that children with unilateral MIH may prefer to chew on the side opposite to the defect. Methods: A total of 121 children were included in the study and evaluated for their Preferred Chewing Side (PCS). This comprised 45 children with Unilateral Mild MIH (G1), 42 with Unilateral Severe MIH (G2), and 34 children in the control group (CG) who lacked MIH but had unilateral chewing complaints. Results: The PCS pattern differed among the groups, with 31% of children with MIH and 55.9% of the CG showing bilateral chewing. Chewing deviation prevalence was 24% in the CG and 52% in G2 (χ2 test; p = 0.03). Binomial logistic regression analysis revealed that both severities of MIH influenced the likelihood of chewing deviation (χ2 = 7.33, p = 0.026). Children with Unilateral Severe MIH were found to have 3.57 times higher odds of experiencing chewing deviation than those without MIH. Conclusions: Unilateral MIH affects children's masticatory patterns, increasing the risk of chewing deviation. Clinical Relevance: Unilateral chewing may be associated with various health issues, such as temporomandibular disorders (DTM), decreased hearing, and vision problems. Unilateral MIH could be considered a potential risk factor for unilateral chewing.