Effectiveness of fissure sealants in 8- to 10-year-olds with and without molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) - results from a cross-sectional epidemiological study.

OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the use, quality, and caries-preventive effects of fissure sealants (FSs) in 8- to 10-year-olds with and without molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 5,418 children (2,692 males, 2,726 females) were examined via standard instruments (dental mirrors, CPI probes, adequate lighting, mobile examination tables, and air syringes) and methods for the recording of caries (DMFT index, WHO method) and FSs. The classification of MIH followed the recommendations of the European Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (EAPD). Statistical analysis included descriptive analysis and mixed-effects logistic regression models. RESULTS: 59.0% of all children had at least one FS; this percentage was 57.8% in the MIH group. The proportions of fully intact sealants and minimal, moderate, or nearly complete loss of retention were 31.7%, 48.3%, 16.8%, and 3.2%, respectively. The mean caries experience was low, at 0.2 DMFT in the whole population. Lower DMFT means were registered in individuals with FSs without MIH (0.1) and with MIH (0.1). The regression analysis revealed a significant caries-protective effect of FSs and MIH in relation to the overall caries burden. In addition, the caries-protective effect was greater in individuals with fully retained sealants (aOR 0.269) than in those with minimal (aOR 0.346), moderate (aOR 0.567) or nearly complete loss of retention (aOR 0.721). CONCLUSION: This study documented the comparable use, quality, and caries-preventive effects of FSs in individuals and permanent molar with and without MIH. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: FSs are caries protective in children with and without MIH.