Gingival recession in 15-year old pupils.

In a clinical examination of 174 15-year old pupils approximately 62 per cent showed some degree of gingival recession on the labial surfaces of maxillary teeth. The number of affected teeth per individual was low, one tooth in about 35 per cent and teeth in 25 per cent of the individuals. First molars and first premolars were the teeth most often affected. The majority of the defects were not extensive, i.e. the gingival margin was situated at the cemento-enamel junction. The number of cases affected by recession was lower in individuals using an "unspecific" toothbrushing technique compared with those using roll or vibratory technique. This difference may not be due to the technique but rather to a minor interest in oral hygiene measures in the "unspecific" groups. No statistically significant correlation was found between frequencies of recession and the stiffness of the toothbrushes used.