MIH: the distressing condition that makes children’s teeth crumble

One in ten children are being affected by Molar-incisor hypo-mineralisation (MIH), a condition where the outer enamel on teeth doesn’t form properly. Stephen Fayle, the spokesman for the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry, says that 10% of UK children are affected by the condition, and it affects children from the age of 6.

The British Dental Association advisor Damien Walmsley says “The enamel is thinner and softer, and more prone to being dissolved away. The surface allows bacteria to hide in the defects, which means these teeth are more prone to decay.” Fluoride treatments, along with strict brushing and dietary regimes, are the only way to save them.”

Although dietary habits cannot be proven as the sole reason for the condition, Stephen suggests a trip to the dentist as soon as the first teeth come through to get the right advice, keep snacking and sweet juice drinks to meal times only, and to check toothpastes have the recommended fluoride levels. “The advice is now to spit and not rinse” mentions Fayle, “by leaving fluoride in your mouth at bedtime, you’re protecting your teeth and helping them to repair at night.”