Hydroxyapatite vs Fluoride Toothpaste for MIH Remineralization

Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) affects approximately 13-14% of children globally. It is a developmental enamel defect with multifactorial etiology, including perinatal and early childhood illnesses. Clinically, MIH leads to hypersensitivity, enamel breakdown, and increased caries risk, significantly impacting oral health-related quality of life. Remineralization strategies using fluoride and biomimetic agents like hydroxyapatite (HAP) have shown promise. HAP offers comparable efficacy to fluoride with added benefits and fewer risks. Molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is a qualitative enamel defect affecting up to 14% of children globally. It is associated with enamel breakdown, hypersensitivity, and increased caries risk. Fluoride is widely used for remineralization but carries risks like fluorosis. Hydroxyapatite (HAP), a biomimetic agent, has shown comparable efficacy in caries prevention and remineralization. However, there is a lack of in vivo clinical trials comparing HAP and fluoride for MIH management in children. This study addresses the need for safer, effective alternatives to fluoride in pediatric dentistry.