Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42360683›Full record

SynthesisEuropean archives of paediatric dentistry : official journal of the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry2026

Prevalence of molar-incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) in children in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Farah Abdullah, Mawlood Kowash, Iyad Hussein, Manal Al Halabi, Anas Al Salami, Miltiadis A Makrygiannakis, Amar Khamis, Eleftherios G Kaklamanos

Abstract readSystematic Review
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In one paragraph

Synthesis in European archives of paediatric dentistry : official journal of the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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1 · What the graph read from it

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2 · The registry

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

8 authors.

Farah AbdullahMohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Mawlood KowashMohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Iyad HusseinMohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Manal Al HalabiMohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Anas Al SalamiMohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Miltiadis A MakrygiannakisEuropean University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus. mimakr@dent.uoa.gr.
Amar KhamisMohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Eleftherios G KaklamanosEuropean University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus. ekaklam@dent.auth.gr.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

purposeMolar-incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) is a qualitative enamel defect affecting first permanent molars and often incisors, and is associated with increased risks of caries, hypersensitivity, and poor restorative outcomes. Although global prevalence varies, data from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries remain limited. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of MIH among children in the GCC.

methodsA comprehensive search of five databases was conducted up to September 2025 and identified studies published between January 2000 and August 2025 reporting MIH prevalence among children in GCC countries with available data. Eligible studies were published in English or Arabic and included healthy children aged 6 years or older. Risk of bias was assessed using a validated prevalence tool. Meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model, and heterogeneity was assessed with I

resultsEighteen studies involving 15,417 children from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain met the inclusion criteria, representing approximately 80% of the GCC population. The pooled MIH prevalence was 19.9% (95% CI [15.7-24.9%]), higher than the global average of 13.5%. Across studies, prevalence ranged from 7.57% to 58.46%, with substantial heterogeneity (I

conclusionsMIH remains an important public health concern, with prevalence in the included GCC countries exceeding international averages in the included GCC countries. Standardised diagnostic criteria and national surveillance systems are strongly recommended to support earlier detection and improved management. REGISTRATION: INPLASY202390032.

Indexed as

ChildrenGulf Cooperation CouncilMeta-analysisMolar–incisor hypomineralisationPrevalenceSystematic review

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.