Cross-sectional Evaluation of the Presence of Gingival Recession in Individuals with Cleft Lip and Palate

Background: In dentistry, investigations in the field of periodontics in individuals with cleft lip and palate are scarce, with few studies on the prevalence, incidence, extension, and severity of periodontal alterations and their treatment in adults.

Methods: This study analyzed the prevalence, extension, and severity of recessions and the relationship with some etiologic factors in 200 individuals with cleft lip and palate aged 13 to 56 years. Examination comprised measurements of gingival recession, amount of keratinized mucosa, frenum insertions, and tooth positioning in the dental arch.

Results: Analysis of the results revealed that the prevalence of recession was high, because 75% of individuals in the sample had at least one tooth with gingival recession; 100% of individuals aged >43 years presented at least one recession, and most recessions were Miller Class I. The multiple linear regression demonstrated that recession is directly proportional to age (i.e., it increases with age); concerning the amount of keratinized mucosa, the proportion is inverse (i.e., the larger the recession, the smaller the amount of mucosa); and gingival inflammation also presented a positive correlation.

Conclusions: Gingival recessions are caused by many etiologic factors, which usually act in combination. Thus, all factors causing recession should be analyzed so that planning and treatment of this clinical condition may be established, for achievement of optimal outcomes.