Reasons for and consequences of tooth loss in adults and elderly people in Brazil: a qualitative metasynthesis.

The objective was to analyze and systematize evidence reported in qualitative studies on the reasons and consequences of tooth loss in adults and elderly people in Brazil. A systematic review of the literature on qualitative research methods and a meta synthesis of the results were performed. The study population consisted of adults over 18 years of age and elderly people in Brazil. Searches were performed in the BVS, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, BBO, Embase, EBSCO and SciELO databases. The thematic synthesis identified 8 analytical themes regarding reasons for tooth loss and 3 analytical themes regarding consequences of tooth loss. Dental pain, care model, financial situation and desire for prosthetic rehabilitation were determining factors for extractions. There was recognition of negligence in oral care, and the naturalness of tooth loss was linked to old age. Missing teeth caused psychological and physiological impacts. It is imperative to verify whether the factors that cause tooth loss persist, and how much those factors influence decisions to extract teeth among current young and adult populations. It is necessary to change the care model through the inclusion and qualification of oral health care for the young and elderly adult populations; otherwise, the model of dental mutilation and the culture of edentulism will persist.