The influence of occlusal trauma on gingival recession and gingival clefts

The aim of this study was to investigate the centric occlusal contact pattern in maximum intercuspation and to study the nature of occlusal contacts during maximum intercuspation to protrusive, lateroprotrusive and lateral excursive movements. Fifty subjects having gingival recession and ten subjects having gingival clefts belonging to age group of 18-25 years were selected after obtaining informed consent from the student's population. The selected subjects were examined and the location and extent of gingival recession, gingival clefts and occlusal wear facets were recorded. The type of occlusion and the nature of occlusal contact in maximum intercuspation and eccentric mandibular movements were also recorded using articulating foil and shimstock. Chi square test, Fisher's exact test (F) and Z test were used to statistically analyse the data obtained. Among the three occlusal concepts, gingival recession was more commonly related to group function than to canine protected occlusion. Canine protected occlusion was associated with gingival recession on the labial surface while in group function occlusion; the recession was distributed equally on the facial surface of the anterior as well as posterior teeth. Nearly all subjects showed interferences in protrusive, lateroprotrusive and lateral excursive movements on teeth showing gingival recession and gingival clefts. Occlusal wear was seen on all teeth having gingival clefts and on most teeth having gingival recession. These results suggest that occlusal interferences in maximum intercuspation and eccentric movements in one form or the other and absence of mutually protected occlusion can contribute to gingival lesions such as gingival recession and clefts.