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

Abstract

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.

Relationship between the number of lost teeth and the occurrence of depressive symptoms in middle-aged adults

“…. The covariates were selected based on a review of the subject literature [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18] and a previous study [21]. The data were analysed using STATISTICA 13.3 software (STATSOFT, PL).…”

“…This occurs because food plays an important role in meetings with family and friends and is a medium for maintaining social contact, expressing friendships, and caring for family members. In middle-aged individuals, embarrassment and dissatisfaction with one's own appearance due to loss of teeth also led to frustration and problems with satisfying activity on the job market, even when dentures were used [17], because removable, unstable dentures did not eliminate certain problems related to aesthetics and oral health. Researchers suggest that depressive symptoms may also be further exacerbated by in ammation of the nervous system resulting from a history of periodontitis or autonomic nerve imbalance caused by oral pain and discomfort [27].…”

“…Loss of teeth results in a gradual decrease in bone tissue and may lead to malocclusion and disorders of the temporomandibular joints. It also causes speech impediments, especially lisping, since without proper support in the form of teeth, the tongue cannot be positioned to correctly articulate some sounds [17]. Furthermore, visibly missing teeth constitute an aesthetic blemish, while poorly tted dentures and incorrect articulation reduce self-con dence, make it di cult for individuals to be active in the job market, and cause individuals to withdraw from social life, which in turn may reduce mental well-being [17,18].…”

“…It also causes speech impediments, especially lisping, since without proper support in the form of teeth, the tongue cannot be positioned to correctly articulate some sounds [17]. Furthermore, visibly missing teeth constitute an aesthetic blemish, while poorly tted dentures and incorrect articulation reduce self-con dence, make it di cult for individuals to be active in the job market, and cause individuals to withdraw from social life, which in turn may reduce mental well-being [17,18]. These relationships have, to date, been analysed predominantly among elderly individuals, with very few publications addressing the topic among middle-aged adults.…”