A prospective long term observational clinical study to evaluate the significance of manual tooth brushing on gingival recession

Abstract Purpose:Gingival recession (GR) is a common finding in adult populations associated with varied etiologies. The aim of our study was to correlate the influence of tooth brushing on GR. Further, it was intended to evaluate the role of a corrective tooth brushing technique with proper oral hygiene instructions on progression/regression of GR on a long term (3 years) follow up.Methods:A total of 53 healthy subjects, male and female, 18 to 52 years of age, without any boneloss were examined. A questionnaire evaluated all the variables associated with tooth brushing in these subjects. Later, patients were instructed on Modified Stillman brushing technique and oral hygiene instructions were reinforced. All the parameters were measured by two trained calibrated examiners at the baseline and at 6 month intervals.Results:Majority of the subjects with GR at the first visit used hard toothbrush bristle (62.2%), brushed their teeth twice daily (56.7%) and did not know the correct technique of tooth brushing (83.1%). Those subjects with buccal recession evident in the first visit who maintained high standard of oral hygiene as per our instructions and had followed the correct brushing technique as advised, it was observed that GR progressed only at the following teeth: the first and second right mandibular premolars, right mandibular canines, left mandibular canines and first left maxillary molars (total 17. 9%).Conclusion:The results of our study validate that the various variables associated with tooth brushing such as type of tooth brush, type of tooth brushing technique and frequency of tooth brushing have a potential role that result in GR. Moreover, a correct tooth brushing technique together with good oral hygiene prevents further recession.