EARLY LOSS OF PRIMARY TEETH: ETIOLOGY, CLINICAL REPERCUSSIONS, AND PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY INTERVENTION STRATEGIES

Abstract

Early loss of primary teeth is a relevant condition in Pediatric Dentistry because of its possible repercussions on the development of the dentition, on occlusion, and on the functions of the stomatognathic system. This study aimed to analyze the main factors associated with early loss of primary teeth, its clinical repercussions, and the prevention and intervention strategies used to manage this condition. This is a descriptive narrative literature review based on the qualitative analysis of scientific publications, carried out through a bibliographic survey in the PubMed and SciELO databases and in Google Scholar, considering studies published between 2016 and 2026, in Portuguese and English, selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria described in the methodology. Twelve publications were analyzed regarding the etiological, clinical, and therapeutic aspects related to early loss. The results pointed to dental caries and trauma as recurrent factors, in addition to other clinical conditions associated with premature loss. The main repercussions described in the literature included possible changes in space and occlusion, tooth migration, changes in the eruption of permanent successors, and functional, aesthetic, and psychosocial impacts. Space maintainers stood out as an intervention strategy when clinically indicated. It is concluded that the management of early loss should be individualized, integrating prevention, diagnosis, appropriate intervention, and pediatric dental follow-up, considering the location of the loss, the child's age, the stage of dental development, and individual clinical conditions.