Comparison of Fear of Dentistry between Children with Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization and Children with Permanent First Molars without Hypoplasia

Background: Molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is a developmental enamel defect of the incisor and molars that can lead to fear of dentistry in children. This study aimed to compare the dental fear of children aged ۸ to ۱۲ years with MIH and children with permanent first molars without hypoplasia in ۲۰۲۰ in Isfahan, Iran.Methods: In this descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study, the participants included ۲۰۰ students aged ۸-۱۲ years old in Isfahan, who were randomly selected from the second to sixth- grade students referred to the clinics. The examination was performed by a dentistry intern using a disposable dental mirror and dental probe on the unit. Fifty-two children with MIH and ۱۴۸ children with permanent first molars without hypoplasia were enrolled. The Dental Subscale of the Children’s Fear Survey Schedule (CFSS-DS) questionnaire was used to collect information, which includes two sections: demographic information and ۱۵ questions on different areas of fear of dental treatment in children. Data were analysed through SPSS ۲۰ software and using descriptive-statistical tests (frequency and percentage, mean), t test, chi-square test, and logistic regression test. P < ۰.۰۵ was defined as a statistically significant level.Results: The mean score of dental fear was ۱۵ ± ۳۵ (ranged from ۱۵ to ۷۵) which indicated moderate level of dental fear in the participating children. In whole, ۶۲.۵% of children were afraid of dentistry. The rate of dental fear in girls was ۹ times higher than in boys (P < ۰.۰۵). Also, the rate of dental fear in children with MIH was ۴۶ times higher than in children who did not have this disorder (P < ۰.۰۵). The frequency of dental fear in children with severe disorders was significantly higher than in children with mild defects (P = ۰.۰۰۰). There was no statistically significant difference in terms of dental fear among different age groups (P = ۰.۳۱۳). Also, with increasing the number of dental visits, dental fear increased by ۱.۲ times (P < ۰.۰۵), which was statistically significant.Conclusion: Fear of dentistry in children with MIH was significantly higher than in children with molar teeth without hypoplasia.

کلیدواژه ها:

Dental Fear ، Molar Incisor Hypomineralization ، Hypoplasia ، Questionnaire ، children