The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of and risk factors for cervical (wedge-shaped) lesions on teeth. It uses dental and medical variables obtained in a population-based sample of the cross-sectional epidemiological study "Study of Health in Pomerania" (SHIP). Medical history, dental, and sociodemographic parameters of 2,707 representatively selected subjects 20 to 59 years of age with more than four natural teeth were checked for associations, with the occurrence of wedge-shaped lesions using a 2-level logistic regression model on a tooth and a subject level. The estimated risk of developing wedgeshaped lesions generally increased with age. The following independent variables were associated with the occurrence of wedge-shaped lesions: buccal recession of the gingiva (odds ratio [OR] = 6.7); occlusal wear facets of scores 1, 2 and 3 (OR = 1.5, 1.9, 1.9); tilted teeth (OR = 1.4); inlays (OR = 1.6); tooth brushing behavior (OR = 1.9 to 2.0) (two and three times daily vs. once a day). The results of this risk analysis indicated that the etiology of wedge-shaped lesions is multifactorial. The development of wedge-shaped lesions probably results from the interaction of occlusal forces, which may produce a flexural load on the teeth, and the abrasion of hard tooth substance caused by tooth brushing. Factors influencing occlusion included inlays and altered tooth positions. Palabras clave: abfraction, non-carious cervical lesion, wedge-shaped lesion, tooth brushing, epidemiology, SHIP, cross-sectional