A 2-year longitudinal investigation of isolated gingival recession was undertaken in 42 children aged 6-8 years at the commencement of the study. Gingival inflammation was controlled by supervised tooth brushing or professional plaque control. Mandibular anterior crowding considered to have contributed to the degree of recession was untreated in 11 subjects, while in 13 subjects serial extractions had been undertaken. No attempt was made to correct frenal involvement in those subjects (9) where it might have been considered a contributing etiologic factor. After 2 years, improvement in gingival contour was most apparent in those subjects whose gingival inflammation had been controlled. This was achieved more readily with professional plaque control than with supervised tooth brushing. Improvement in arch alignment and gingival contour was greater in untreated subjects than in those receiving serial extractions. WHen gingival inflammation was controlled evidence of frenal involvement declined. Control of gingival inflammation appears to be the most important factor in the treatment of isolated gingival recession in the mandibular central incisor region.