Effects of Tooth Loss in Elderly Patients: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Tooth loss in older adults constitutes a highly relevant public health problem due to its multidimensional impact on overall health and quality of life, primarily represented by partial or total edentulism. It should not be understood solely as a biological consequence of aging, but rather as the result of cumulative oral disease processes and social determinants such as limited access to dental services, socioeconomic status, and health education. The objective of this review was to analyze the available scientific evidence on the relationship between tooth loss and quality of life in older adults, considering its nutritional, functional, psychological, and social effects. A systematic literature review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines through searches in databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and SciELO. Studies published between 2020 and 2025 in English or Spanish were included. The results show that tooth loss is associated with decreased masticatory efficiency, dietary changes, and a higher risk of malnutrition. In the psychological domain, variable effects on anxiety, depression, and self-esteem are reported. In the reviewed studies, edentulism is consistently associated with a decrease in quality of life, although the magnitude of the effect varies depending on context and methodological design. It is concluded that tooth loss in older adults is a multifactorial phenomenon with significant clinical, functional, and psychosocial consequences. The available evidence highlights the need to strengthen strategies for prevention, oral health promotion, and prosthetic rehabilitation, as well as to address the social determinants that influence its onset and progression.