DOI: 10.4103/njcp.njcp_494_25 ISSN: 1119-3077

Effectiveness of Treatment Modalities for Dentin Hypersensitivity in Children with Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

T Ünal, FN Kızılay, SE Ünal

Introduction:

Dentin hypersensitivity associated with molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is a significant clinical challenge that can adversely affect children’s quality of life.

Aim:

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness of treatment modalities for reducing hypersensitivity in children with MIH.

Methods:

A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CENTRAL, and EMBASE was conducted between May 5 and 15, 2025, in accordance with PRISMA 2020. After duplicate removal, 179 records were screened. Twenty-one full-text reports were sought, 11 were assessed for eligibility, and 3 were excluded, including 1 study lacking an eligible comparator/control group for inclusion in the review. Eight randomized controlled trials were included in the qualitative synthesis, of which five randomized controlled trials ( n = 246 participants) were included in the meta-analysis. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals were calculated, and heterogeneity was assessed using I ². Subgroup analyses were performed according to intervention category and follow-up duration.

Results:

The pooled estimate demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in hypersensitivity in favor of intervention groups (SMD = −0.39; 95% confidence interval − 0.71 to − 0.06; P = 0.022), with moderate heterogeneity ( I ² = 56.4%). This estimate was derived from five randomized controlled trials with mixed analytical units and should therefore be interpreted cautiously. Subgroup analyses did not identify a clearly superior treatment modality.

Conclusion:

Available treatments may reduce MIH-related hypersensitivity; however, no modality demonstrated clear superiority. Further randomized trials with standardized outcomes and longer follow-up are needed.

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