Exploring the impact of gingival recession on oral health-related quality of life: a qualitative study

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Gingival recession, a prevalent periodontal condition characterized by apical migration of the gingival margin and root exposure, can cause tooth sensitivity, aesthetic concerns, and functional discomfort. While quantitative studies have linked gingival recession to reduced oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), standardized questionnaires may not fully capture the condition-specific, psychological, and social impacts experienced by patients. Qualitative research offers an in-depth understanding of patients' lived experiences and perspectives, providing insights essential to patient-centered care. This study aimed to explore how individuals with gingival recession perceive and describe their experiences and the impact of the condition on their oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with fifteen adults clinically diagnosed with gingival recession who sought care in Isfahan and met eligibility criteria, including no prior graft treatment and the ability to participate in an in-person interview. A qualitative approach with content analysis was used to identify key themes, and data collection continued until thematic saturation was achieved. We applied credibility, dependability, transferability, and confirmability through qualitative research procedures to enhance rigor. RESULTS: Participants reported substantial effects of gingival recession on their daily lives, which clustered into three major themes: (1) Biomedical issues, including pain, tooth sensitivity, food impaction, difficulty eating, challenges in maintaining oral hygiene, and concerns about tooth mobility and root caries; (2) Psychological issues, such as dissatisfaction with dental aesthetics, reduced self-confidence, anxiety about disease progression and treatment consequences, and regret over past oral behaviors; and (3) Social issues, reflected in avoidance of social interactions, discomfort when others commented on their teeth, and heightened awareness of similar conditions in peers. These findings illustrate the broad functional, emotional, and social burden imposed by gingival recession. CONCLUSIONS: Gingival recession substantially affects patients' oral health-related quality of life, impacting functional, psychological, and social well-being, and extends beyond commonly recognized symptoms to include emotional and cognitive concerns such as regret, reduced self-esteem, and anxiety about disease progression and treatment outcomes. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12903-026-08265-y.