BACKGROUND: Some diet factors are risk factors for dental erosion. METHODS: We performed computer searches of PubMed, Cochrane Library, EBSCO, CALIS, et al., to search for studies investigating risk factors for dental erosion. For risk factors investigated in a comparative way, we computed pooled odds ratios (ORs) using the Mantel and Haenszel method. RESULTS: A total of 9 studies met the inclusion criteria, and 6 risk factors were considered, including soft drinks, sports drinks, juice, vitamin C, milk, and yoghourt. The following associations were found for soft drinks (OR = 2.41, 95%CI = 2.03-2.85) and vitamin C (OR = 1.16, 95%CI = 1.10-1.22). While juice (OR = 0.90, 95%CI = 0.25-3.24), sports drinks (OR = 1.58, 95%CI = 0.88-2.85), milk (OR = 0.67, 95%CI = 0.11-4.01), and yoghourt products (OR = 1.05, 95%CI = 0.28-3.96) were not associated with dental erosion. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis provides comprehensive evidence-based assessment of diet-related factors for dental erosion. Preventive strategies should be taken to reduce dental erosion.