Gingival Cleft: Why It Happens
A gingival cleft is a narrow gum defect linked to brushing trauma, thin tissue, tooth position, or uneven bite forces, as the page explains.
The short answer
A gingival cleft is a narrow V-shaped defect in the gum, often linked to brushing trauma, thin gum tissue, tooth position, or an uneven bite.
How can a gum groove involve recession or abrasion?
The groove may involve recession or abrasion beside a tooth. Plaque inflammation, a prominent root, and repeated brushing force can contribute.
How can you clean and protect a gingival cleft?
Use a soft brush with light pressure and clean gently. A dentist can measure recession, inspect the root, assess plaque, and check bite forces.
When should a deepening gum cleft be assessed?
Seek care if it deepens, bleeds, traps food, causes sensitivity, or exposes more root.
How can the dentist distinguish the type of gum defect?
Ask whether it is a cleft, recession, abrasion, or periodontal pocket, and whether monitoring or periodontal treatment is needed.
Frequently asked questions
What should I avoid?
A dentist can measure recession, inspect the root, assess plaque, and check bite forces
When should I arrange an examination?
Seek care if it deepens, bleeds, traps food, causes sensitivity, or exposes more root.
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Who wrote this page
This library is published by Dental Nation, a licensed dental group practising in the United Arab Emirates. Pages are written and overseen by the same clinical team that treats patients in our clinics, and are held to a fixed editorial standard for safety and accuracy.
This page is patient education, not medical advice, and cannot replace an examination. Anything urgent — facial swelling, trauma, uncontrolled bleeding or severe pain — needs a dentist or emergency care now.