Molar Hypomineralization: Current Knowledge on a Challenging & Prevalent Condition

Idiopathic enamel (molar) hypomineralization can affect any tooth but most commonly affects first permanent molars, second primary molars and second permanent molars—strategic teeth to both orthodontists and pediatric dentists. With a prevalence approximating 20%, any dentist who treats children has encountered molar hypomineralization. Many have not recognized it as molar hypomineralization and tried to treat it, perhaps unsuccessfully, using techniques intended for managing dental caries. Others have recognized it as molar hypomineralization and treated it accordingly but were surprised by late unanticipated outcomes. Undergraduate or postgraduate dental education has not prepared orthodontists or pediatric dentists to recognize nor manage the common clinical finding of molar hypomineralization. This presentation will review the current knowledge regarding prevalence, presentation patterns and pathophysiology of molar hypomineralization, current best practices for management and an organized plan for curing this challenging condition.