In general dental practice the "abrasion" diagnosis is universally used for the loss of any tooth structure irrespective of its etiology. The author's aim was to summarize and classify the types of non-caries-related tooth wear (i.e. attrition, abrasion and erosion) based on their etiology and clinical features. All dental practitioners should be aware of the criteria of differentiation and the principles of differential diagnoses because only the elimination of the etiologic factors can ensure permanent therapeutic effect. On he other hand dental practitioners should also be familiar with this field to be able to recognize the early symptoms of certain general diseases that can initially be diagnosed in he dental office. Besides the elimination of the causative factors other specialist should also be involved in the comprehensive treatment to provide long-term success and arrest the progression of the disease.