Sensitivity measure for children with molar incisor hypomineralisation
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Development of a sensitivity specific outcome measure for children with Molar incisor hypomineralisation
IRAS ID
333349
Contact name
Joana Monteiro
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 1 months, 31 days
Research summary
Molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) is a common disorder of enamel development, affecting 13% of children globally. Both environmental and genetic factors may result in poor quality enamel on children’s first adult molars and incisors, which compromises both tooth function and appearance.
Notably, children with MIH can experience extreme dental hypersensitivity which may impact negatively on their oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL); even tooth-brushing can be painful for some children. However, tests used to diagnose hypersensitivity have largely been adapted from adult research and are not designed to assess responses in children with enamel defects. The cold air test (blowing cold air into affected enamel) or tactile test (scratching the enamel surface using sharp instruments), aim to elicit painful responses and are clearly not appropriate for children who already have high levels of dental anxiety. Treatment strategies aim to manage this anxiety, alongside the use of various topical preparations (e.g. fluoride varnish) and restorations to reduce hypersensitivity and protect the underlying weak enamel.
To assess hypersensitivity experience in children, both before and after interventions, investigators have tended to use generic OHRQoL questionnaires, in conjunction with non-validated additional questions, which may be interpreted differently by children of different ages/cultures. There is therefore a real need to better understand the context of dental hypersensitivity from the child’s perspective.
In view of the prevalence of MIH and severity of known impacts, we aim to develop a validated, non-threatening, child-centred, MIH-specific tool to evaluate hypersensitivity in children. We plan to talk to children with MIH and ask them how they describe hypersensitivity and how it affects their lives. We will develop questions that children find important, in order to measure their MIH-related hypersensitivity. Finally, we will test this questionnaire after using different treatments to reduce hypersensitivity to ensure children’s concerns are measured correctly.
REC name
South Central - Oxford C Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/SC/0368
Date of REC Opinion
31 Oct 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion