ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Gingival recession is an unsightly condition due to root exposure. It can lead to dental hypersensitivity, root caries, and tooth loss. OBJECTIVE: To determine the influence of different clinical and periodontal parameters on the severity of gingival recession evaluated at four periods: initial, 6, 12, and 18 months of follow-up. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty patients with gingival recession were included in the study. Sociodemographic data, systemic diseases, harmful habits, dental hygiene habits, parafunctional habits, and orthodontic treatment were collected. Periodontal status (plaque index, gingival bleeding index, attached gingiva loss, pocket probing depth, and attachment loss) was also measured. RESULTS: None of the clinical parameters studied influenced the number of teeth with gingival recession. Smokers showed a higher number of teeth with attached gingiva loss (p=0.03). A direct relationship between the severity of gingival recession and plaque index (p=0.02) or 4-6 mm attachment loss (p=0.04) was observed. At six months of follow-up, gingival index was the only parameter that influenced the severity of gingival recession (p=0.01).
