INTRODUCTION: The loss of the teeth surface or not carious lesion, is a physiological process that occur during the aging, but can be considered as pathological when the degree of destruction creates functional problems, aesthetic or dental sensibility. Many factors can contribute in part, but not necessarily simultaneously or equally as the cause of the not carious lesions. Although the cases of attrition (attrition, abrasion, corrosion and abfraction) are commonly discussed as independent alterations, in most of the times the loss of the teeth surface is the result of a combination of factors. One of the greatest challenges is to identify or quantify the influence of factors like the excessive consumption and abusive of drugs and acid substances, environmental factors and intrinsic etiologic agents such as gastro esophageal reflux. The immediate treatment must be directed for the resolution of sensibility and from pain; however, the investigation of the cause is essential. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this work is, through the literature review; help the many medical specialties to identify correctly the etiologic factors of not carious lesions.
dental attrition; dental abrasion; dental corrosion
