The occurrence of gingival recession was investigated in adults by age and gender and in relation to their dental status and frequency of toothbrushing. A total of 258 dentate subjects were clinically examined. Their mean age was 46 years and they had an average of 19.4 natural teeth. Gingival recession was recorded as present if any root surface was clearly visible without retraction of the gingival tissue. Recession was found on at least one tooth surface in 68% of subjects. Mean number of surfaces with recession was 7.2 for women and 10.4 for men. Subjects with gingival recession had fewer natural teeth than did those without recession. The two groups did not differ from each other in the number of filled teeth and decayed teeth. Mandibular teeth had more surfaces with recession than did maxillary ones. Sites of recession occurred quite symmetrically. Frequent toothbrushers had, both in the maxilla and mandible, more surfaces with recession than had those brushing their teeth infrequently. Frequent toothbrushing had a greater association with recession among women and in the youngest age group.