Abstract Tooth mobility measurements were carried out on 107 teeth with gingival recession in 20 subjects. Alveolar bone dehiscence around 43 of these teeth was measured during flap surgery in 13 subjects. No significant correlation was found between gingival recession and tooth mobility, and between tooth mobility and alveolar bone dehiscence. A positive, significant correlation was present between gingival recession and bone dehiscence. In 17 of the subjects, tooth mobility of 29 homologous contralateral teeth with and without gingival recession was compared. The difference was not significant. The role of trauma from occlusion in the etiology of gingival recession is questioned.