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