Introduction:

premature loss of primary teeth is associated with reduced arch length and migration of contiguous and antagonist teeth. It can compromise the natural maintenance of the arch perimeter and the eruption of the successor tooth.

Objective:

to characterize the premature loss of primary teeth in school children.

Methods:

descriptive observational cross-sectional study in children of the Frank País elementary school belonging to the Pedro Borrás University Polyclinic, Pinar del Río municipality during the period October 2021 to June 2023. Universe: 200 children from first to fifth grade. Sample: intentional non-probabilistic sample, which included 113 children considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Absolute frequencies, percentages and non-parametric Chi-square test were used as summary measures.

Results:

there was a greater presence of girls (56,6 %) in the five - seven years age group (69 %). The most frequent causes of loss of temporaries were dental caries (52,2 %) and pulp necrosis (26,5 %) in both age groups. There was greater involvement of lower first molars (66,1 %). Root development of the substitute permanent tooth predominated in Nolla stages five and six (28,3 % and 48,7 %). The predominant anomalies resulting from tooth loss were decreased arch perimeter (80,5 %) and mesial migration of primary molars (63,7 %).

Conclusions:

premature loss of primary teeth is modifiable if dental care and attention to the child with deciduous dentition is assumed as a priority by the family from early stages of life.

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