What does recession refer to in dental terms?

Recession in dental terms specifically refers to the distance between the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) and the gingival margin (GM). This measurement is used to assess the extent of gum recession, which occurs when the gum tissue surrounding the teeth pulls back, exposing more of the tooth or its root. Monitoring this distance is important for evaluating periodontal health, as significant recession can indicate periodontal disease or inadequate oral hygiene.

While other choices relate to various aspects of dental anatomy or periodontal conditions, they do not pertain directly to the definition of recession. For example, measurements from the GM to probing depth focus on the depth of the gum tissue health, while the distance between adjacent teeth and the depth of bone loss are important considerations in dentistry, they do not align with the specific definition of recession as it relates to the relationship between the CEJ and GM.