Prevalence and Associated Factors of Hypomineralised Second Primary Molars in 3-5-Year-Old Children in Aydın, Türkiye.

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence and associated factors of hypomineralisation of second primary molars (HSPM) in children aged between 3 and 5 years, in Aydın. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A total of 1035 children, aged between 3 and 5 years old, participated in the study from 16 randomly selected kindergartens across 5 districts of Aydın. HSPM findings were recorded using the modified EAPD MIH Decision Criteria Index. To determine the associated factors, a questionnaire consisting of questions about prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal factors was filled out by parents. Descriptive statistics and Pearson chi-square tests were used. RESULTS: The mean age was 4.66 ± 0.53 years; the prevalence of HSPM was 4.4% at the patient level and 2.31% at the tooth level. White, cream, yellow or brown demarcated opacities were the most common lesion type (69.79%); the most affected jaw was the mandible (71.87%), and the mean number of affected teeth among the children with HSPM was 2.17 ± 0.99. Considering the associated factors of HSPM, maternal febrile illnesses during pregnancy and children's febrile illnesses during perinatal and postnatal periods, along with nutritional supplement use, preterm birth, or breastfeeding duration, did not show statistical significance in HSPM development (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Results of this study showed that the prevalence of HSPM (4.4%) in Aydın was slightly lower than the worldwide prevalence (6.8%). HSPM had many possible causes; to more clearly determine the aetiology of HSPM, more research is needed.