Epidemiology of gingival recession and risk indicators in dental hospital population of Bhimavaram.
OBJECTIVE
Gingival recession (GR) is a common manifestation in most populations, and is considered as an early sign of periodontal disease. GR is an intriguing condition where various factors play an important role in its etiology. Only few studies have been undertaken to assess the prevalence and risk factors for GR in patients visiting dental hospitals. The aim of this study is not only to estimate prevalence, severity, and extent of GR in hospital population, of Vishnu Dental College, Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh, India, but also to assess the potential risk factors for the same.


METHODS
In this study, 2837 patients were examined of which 627 were included into the study. The age range was 16-80 years. Subjects were interviewed using a structural questionnaire, and full mouth clinical examination was done to assess recession.


RESULTS
Of all subjects examined 45.6%, 16.2% of individuals and 13%, 4.8% of teeth per individual showed GR >3 mm. Prevalence and severity of recession was correlated with age. Recession was present but recession threshold ≥3 and ≥5 mm affected only small percentage of teeth in subjects younger than 45 years. Mandibular incisors showed the highest prevalence of GR ≥1 mm with 61% of teeth being affected. Smoking and presence of supragingival calculus were most significantly associated localized and generalized recession.


CONCLUSIONS
Prevalence of periodontal disease is high among this population based on the presence of gingival recession in most the individuals. High prevalence of GR is significantly associated with supragingival calculus and smoking habits. This suggests a need to improve their periodontal condition through education, motivation, and improving their periodontal health.
Department of Periodontics, Vishnu Dental College, Bhimavaram, WGDT, Andhra Pradesh, India.
S Reddy
SR
Manchala
Department of Periodontics, College of Dental Sciences, Davangere, Karnataka, India.
K L
KL
Vandana
Department of Periodontics, Vishnu Dental College, Bhimavaram, WGDT, Andhra Pradesh, India.
N B
NB
Mandalapu
Department of Periodontics, Vishnu Dental College, Bhimavaram, WGDT, Andhra Pradesh, India.
S
S
Mannem
Department of Periodontics, Vishnu Dental College, Bhimavaram, WGDT, Andhra Pradesh, India.
C D
CD
Dwarakanath
Epidemiology; gingival recession; risk factors