Vol. 5, Issue 2, Part A (2019)

Abstract: The purpose of this review was to provide insight into risk factors and risk assessment of dental erosion and suggest appropriate preventive measures in dental practice. Literature search of eligible articles in English language published before 18th February 2018, was carried out to include all the old and recent published articles in various on-line databases such as PubMed, Medline, Google scholar, Scopus, Wiley Science Library using appropriate keywords (dental erosion, risk factors, risk assessment, prevention). Total of 625 articles were retrieved. All the eligible articles relevant to this present study were reviewed and compiled. As there is a change in lifestyle, the total amount and frequency of consumption of acidic foods and drinks have also changed leading to increase in dental erosion. There are different predisposing factors and aetiologies to this erosive condition. The interplay of chemical, biological and behavioral factors is crucial and helps explain why some individuals exhibit more erosion than others, even if they are exposed to the same acid challenge in their diets. Hence comprehensive knowledge of the different risk factors is a prerequisite to initiate adequate preventive (non-interventive) and, if necessary, therapeutic (interventive) measures.