[Erosion. Clinical aspects--diagnosis--risk factors--prevention--therapy]

Dental erosions have a multifactorial genesis. Acids of intrinsic and extrinsic origin are thought to be the main aetiologic factors, but also abrasive components can be involved in tooth destruction. This overview gives information about the clinical appearence and the risk factors for the developement of erosive lesions. In addition, preventive and therapeutic measures are discussed. The knowledge about the patient's history, the accurate clinical examination and the correct diagnosis are prerequisites for an adequate preventive and therapeutic concept. It is important to get data about diet habits and host factors like salivary flow rate, buffering capacity and pH as well as intrinsic factors like the occurence of gastroesophageal reflux or vomiting. A novel scheme showing the dependences of the different risk factors is given. To determine the patient's individual risk for erosion, the dentist must be able to assess the erosive potential of these parameters. Data about the distribution and clinical appearance of erosive defects, photographs and study casts are important to plan the prevention and therapy and to judge the success of such measures.