ASSOCIATION OF TOOTH BRUSHING HABITS WITH GINGIVAL RECESSION: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background:

Gingival recession is a common periodontal condition characterized by apical displacement of the gingival margin and exposure of the root surface.

Objective:

To investigate the relationship between gingival recession and toothbrushing habits in adult dental patients.

Methods:  

A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 152 adults aged 20–65 years attending the dental outpatient department during a six-month study period. Demographic characteristics and toothbrushing habits were assessed using a self-administered questionnaire, while gingival recession was clinically assessed. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 27.0. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, Mann–Whitney U test, and multivariable binary logistic regression were performed. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results:

A total of 152 participants were included in the analysis. Gingival recession was present in 90 (59.2%) participants. In the bivariate analysis, gingival recession was significantly associated with brushing frequency, brushing technique, toothbrush type, brushing duration, and brushing pressure (p < 0.001 for all). In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, age (AOR = 1.123, 95% CI: 1.027–1.228, p = 0.011), brushing technique (AOR = 10.673, 95% CI: 1.292–88.158, p = 0.028), and brushing pressure (AOR = 16.393, 95% CI: 2.415–111.111, p = 0.004) were independently associated with gingival recession.

Conclusion:

Gingival recession was common among the study participants. Age, brushing technique, and brushing pressure were independently associated with gingival recession. These findings highlight the importance of appropriate toothbrushing technique and controlled brushing pressure as components of individualized oral-hygiene education.