Therapeutic itineraries of children with the early loss of primary teeth: A qualitative phenomenological study

Background: Children with untreated dental caries tend to have a higher prevalence of early tooth loss, causing physical, psychosocial, and financial impacts on children and their families. The present study aims to understand the therapeutic itineraries of children with the early loss of primary teeth due to caries by analyzing the access to and integrality of care. Methods: This was a qualitative phenomenological study. Participants were caregivers, aged 18 years or older, of children up to 12 years of age who attended the University Dental Clinic of a Public University in Southern Brazil. Analysis of medical records and interviews were performed. The saturation criterion defined the sample size (n=44). Results: Public and private health services were accessed by families in the search for treatments for children's oral health conditions until they reached the University Dental Clinic. Children experiencing suffering and pain, who had had multiple extractions, and families affected financially and emotionally by the oral health condition of their children highlighted these itineraries. The resilience of these families in overcoming the challenges experienced and their continuous efforts to find solutions for the oral health care of their children were emphasized. Their relations with students and teachers at the University Dental Clinic were also discussed. Conclusion: The study showed a range of paths taken by children and their families and suggested weaknesses in ensuring the integrality of care for children in the Brazilian National Health System. Qualitative analysis of the therapeutic itineraries of children’s families presented in this study is proposed as a complementary tool for health care. This study has the potential to contribute to the evaluation of health services in the country, strengthening children's oral health.