Resul ÇOLAK, Merve Küçükoğlu ÇOLAK, Ahmet Alperen KAYA
Clinical Dentistry and Research - 2026;50(2):148-159
Background and Aim: This study evaluated the prevalence, distribution, and factors associated with Cairo classification-based gingival recession among young adults attending a university periodontology clinic. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 200 adults aged 18-35 years attending the Periodontology Clinic at Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University between January and March 2025. Gingival recession was classified as RT1, RT2, or RT3 according to the Cairo classification. Demographic, oral hygiene, and periodontal data were collected. Multivariable logistic regression identified factors associated with gingival recession, while multinomial logistic regression evaluated factors associated with the RT1 and RT2-RT3 groups relative to the no-recession group. Results: Gingival recession was observed in 105 participants (52.5%) and 347 of 5,435 examined teeth (6.38%). RT1 was the most prevalent recession type (68%), followed by RT2 (25.7%) and RT3 (6.3%). Recession occurred more frequently in the mandibular premolar region. Older age (odds ratio [OR]=1.20, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11-1.29, p<0.001) and tooth loss (OR=2.12, 95% CI: 1.12-4.03, p=0.021) were independently associated with gingival recession. Compared with the no-recession group, age, tooth loss, and higher gingival index scores were associated with RT2-RT3. Conclusions: Gingival recession was common among young adults, with RT1 as the predominant type. Increasing age and tooth loss were independently associated with gingival recession and RT2-RT3, whereas higher gingival inflammation was associated only with RT2-RT3. These findings highlight early periodontal assessment and preventive strategies, although residual confounding cannot be excluded.
