3-year observations on gingival recession in mandibular incisors in children

28 children aged 6-13 years, with gingival recession localized to mandibular incisors, were monitored longitudinally to evaluate any changes of the labial periodontal tissues. Measurements included dental plaque, gingival inflammation, gingival recession, probing depth, probing attachment level, keratinized and attached gingiva. Following baseline examination, the incisors were observed at yearly intervals over 3 years. The results showed that a high level of oral hygiene was maintained and that gingival inflammation occurred only to a minor degree throughout the observation period. Gradual reductions in the amount of gingival recession and probing attachment levels took place in all children except for 1 of the subjects with 1 severely malpositioned tooth. Probing depths and widths of keratinized and attached gingiva remained relatively unchanged. The finding that gingival recession in mandibular incisors in young children often improves over time suggests that preventive or reparative treatment in this part of the developing dentition may not be necessary. Decisions about such treatment should be postponed until any spontaneous improvement has taken place.