Non-carious dental lesions: a narrative literature review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69909/Keywords:
Tooth wear, Dental abrasion, Dental erosion, Differential diagnosisAbstract
Non-carious dental lesions (NCDLs) correspond to a group of structural alterations characterized by the gradual and irreversible loss of hard dental tissue not associated with caries, resulting from mechanical and chemical processes. This wear is classified into four categories according to its etiopathogenesis: attrition, abrasion, abfraction, and biocorrosion. The aim of this study was to review the literature on the prevalence, etiopathogenesis, differential diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of NCDLs. An advanced search was conducted in the PubMed, BVS, and CAPES Journal Portal databases using DeCS and MeSH descriptors. Articles published in scientific journals in English and Portuguese and available in full text were included. Duplicate studies or those not related to the topic were excluded. After screening titles and abstracts, 44 articles were selected for full-text reading. Tooth wear is highly prevalent across all age groups; approximately 51% of young adults present four or more teeth with wear, while 31% of children exhibit at least one worn tooth. NCDLs present a multifactorial etiology and wide clinical variability. Preventive strategies integrated with etiopathogenesis and long-term monitoring are essential in the clinical management of NCDLs. Dentists must be familiar with the clinical characteristics of each type of lesion and identify the etiological factors involved in their onset and progression to ensure proper prevention, early diagnosis, and appropriate treatment.
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