RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: to identify the prevalence of and factors associated with total edentulism in the elderly Brazilian population. In addition, we sought to verify whether edentulism influences the self-perception of oral health and difficulty in eating. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional, population-based study used the database of the National Health Survey conducted in Brazil. The chi-square test was initially used for data analysis. Subsequently, a multivariate analysis of the Poisson multiple regression type was performed to verify the adjusted prevalence ratios. RESULTS: A total of 43,554 elderly people participated in the study, of whom 32% had completely lost their teeth. This total edentulism, based on the multivariate analysis, was associated with female gender (p < 0.001), advances age (p < 0.001), illiterate (p < 0.001), smokers (p < 0.001), and those who did not have health insurance (p < 0.001) or dental insurance (p < 0.001). Total edentulism had an impact on better self-perception of oral health (p < 0.001) and greater difficulties in eating (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: It was concluded that total edentulism in the elderly is associated with worse socioeconomic conditions and a worse lifestyle. This condition has a negative impact on diet and positively affects self-perception of oral health.