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Introduction: Periodontal disease is a significant oral health problem in developing countries. Hence, gingival recession which is a sign of periodontal disease is of great concern. Several factors affect gingival recession and its aetiology is complex. Tooth malposition, tooth shape, position in the arch, periodontal disease and treatment, iatrogenic, restorative or operative treatment, and improper oral hygiene methods are some of the known aetiological factors.

Objective: To assess the prevalence of gingival recession and its associated factors in the mandibular anterior teeth.

Materials and Method: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in 260 patients of age group ≥ 18 years attending the dental department of Bir Hospital from 15-31 December, 2013. Ethical clearance was obtained before starting the study. Patient unwilling to sign an informed consent were excluded. Height of recession was measured in the mid labial region. Oral hygiene behaviour, oral hygiene status, and plaque scores were taken and presence of tooth malposition was also recorded. Data was entered in Microsoft Excel and analysed for descriptive statistics.

Result: Prevalence of gingival recession was seen in 121 (46.54%) of participants. No significant difference was found between male and female subjects. Prevalence was found to increase with age, cigarette smoking, oral hygiene status, and teeth malposition.

Conclusion: Prevalence of gingival recession in the mandibular anterior teeth was observed in about half the study population. For better oral health, patients should be counselled on good oral hygiene measures, tobacco cessation guidelines, and regular dental check-ups.

Aetiology; gingival recession; mandibular anterior teeth.