doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00535.x Impact of tooth loss on the quality of life of elderly peopleIntroduction:  There is scientific evidence that shows health contributes to the quality of life. These measurements have not been well guided towards the free response of oral health in people’s lives.Objective:  This study aimed to investigate the impact of tooth loss on the quality of life of elderly people.Material and methods:  Qualitative investigation with descriptive features – which used a random sample out of the total edentulous elderly people, who lived in an institution in Fortaleza, Brazil – was carried out. From 250 residents screened, 72 completely edentulous elderly, with ages from 60 to 79 years were selected. A semi‐structured questionnaire was used with closed and opened questions in which the last one was used for the free flow of the interviewee’s responses. The content was analysed and codified according to Bardin.Results:  In total, 84.7% had attended the dentist to have exodontia. Of them, 81.9% reported difficulties after losing their teeth. Physical dimensions, characterised by the difficulties in eating and social dimensions, because of interference in communication with other people were obtained.Conclusion:  Tooth loss causes disorder in the individual’s quality of life, mainly when it affects their well‐being and appearance.