BACKGROUND There have been passing references in history that excessive occlusal forces might be a causative factor in gingival recession. The purpose of the present cross-sectional study was to explore the role of trauma from occlusion on the development of gingival recession. METHODS Three hundred patients reporting to the department of Periodontics were screened for the presence of gingival recession in the lower incisors. A single trained examiner carried out clinical examination for signs of trauma from occlusion, such as fremitus test, presence of wear facets and mobility. The data were analyzed by chi square test. RESULTS No statistically significant relationship was observed between the presence of a positive fremitus and wear facets with gingival recession. However, a significant association was observed between patients who experienced mobility and gingival recession. CONCLUSIONS There does appear to be a relationship between fremitus and tooth wear with gingival recession based on the results of the present study, though not conclusive. However, the sign of tooth mobility, which is a feature of trauma from occlusion, appeared to be a predictor of positive association with gingival recession.