{"id":3639,"date":"2026-02-27T18:28:35","date_gmt":"2026-02-27T18:28:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/cairo-classification-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview\/"},"modified":"2026-02-27T18:28:35","modified_gmt":"2026-02-27T18:28:35","slug":"cairo-classification-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/cairo-classification-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview\/","title":{"rendered":"Cairo classification: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Overview of Cairo classification(What it is)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Cairo classification is a clinical system used to describe gum recession (gingival recession) in a standardized way.<br\/>\nIt groups recession defects into categories based on whether there is attachment loss between teeth (interdental clinical attachment loss).<br\/>\nDentists and periodontists commonly use it during periodontal examinations and when discussing root coverage planning.<br\/>\nIt helps clinicians communicate findings clearly in charts, referrals, and research.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Cairo classification used (Purpose \/ benefits)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Gum recession can look similar from the front, but the underlying support around the tooth can be very different. Some recession happens with otherwise healthy bone and gum support between teeth, while other recession is associated with periodontal (gum) disease and loss of supporting tissues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cairo classification was developed to solve a practical problem: <strong>how to classify recession in a way that reflects the condition of the tissues between teeth<\/strong>, not just the amount of exposed root. That matters because the interdental tissues strongly influence treatment planning and expected outcomes for procedures intended to cover exposed root surfaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Key benefits include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Standardized communication:<\/strong> A shared language for describing recession defects among general dentists, hygienists, periodontists, and dental students.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Clinically meaningful grouping:<\/strong> Categories are tied to whether interdental attachment loss is absent, present, or dominant.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Improved documentation:<\/strong> Helps organize exam findings consistently over time and across providers.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Education and research utility:<\/strong> Makes it easier to compare cases and outcomes in teaching and clinical studies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This system is descriptive and diagnostic. It does not, by itself, prescribe a specific treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Indications (When dentists use it)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Dentists and periodontists typically use Cairo classification in situations such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Recording gum recession during a periodontal evaluation or comprehensive exam<\/li>\n<li>Assessing recession associated with toothbrushing trauma or thin gum tissue (gingival phenotype)<\/li>\n<li>Evaluating recession around teeth with suspected or known periodontal disease history<\/li>\n<li>Planning or discussing mucogingival procedures (procedures involving gum tissue) such as root coverage<\/li>\n<li>Monitoring changes in recession over time at recall visits<\/li>\n<li>Communicating case severity and tissue status in referrals to a specialist<\/li>\n<li>Supporting documentation for treatment planning when recession coexists with non-carious cervical lesions (wear not caused by decay)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Contraindications \/ when it\u2019s NOT ideal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Cairo classification is widely used, but there are situations where it may be harder to apply reliably or where additional descriptors are needed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Unclear landmarks:<\/strong> When the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) cannot be identified due to restorations, crowns, abrasion, erosion, or developmental variations<\/li>\n<li><strong>Severe tooth wear or cervical defects:<\/strong> Extensive non-carious cervical lesions can make recession measurements and CEJ location less precise<\/li>\n<li><strong>Inflamed tissues:<\/strong> Significant swelling, bleeding, or active periodontal inflammation can reduce measurement consistency<\/li>\n<li><strong>Post-surgical healing periods:<\/strong> Tissue contours can be temporarily altered after periodontal or restorative procedures<\/li>\n<li><strong>Limited probing reliability:<\/strong> When probing depths and attachment levels cannot be measured consistently (for example, due to patient discomfort or access limitations)<\/li>\n<li><strong>When more detail is needed:<\/strong> Cairo classification does not describe every factor that can influence management (such as keratinized tissue width, tissue thickness, or frenal pull), so clinicians often pair it with additional assessments<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In these situations, clinicians may document recession descriptively and\/or use additional periodontal indices alongside Cairo classification. What is \u201cbetter\u201d varies by clinician and case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How it works (Material \/ properties)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Cairo classification is <strong>not a dental material<\/strong>, so properties like <strong>flow, viscosity, filler content, strength, and wear resistance do not apply<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead, its \u201cworking properties\u201d are the <strong>clinical measurements and comparisons<\/strong> used to assign a recession type. The system focuses on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Gingival recession:<\/strong> The gum margin is positioned apical (toward the root) relative to the CEJ, exposing root surface.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Clinical attachment level (CAL):<\/strong> A measurement that reflects where the gum attachment sits on the tooth relative to the CEJ. CAL is derived from probing depth and the position of the gingival margin.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Interdental vs buccal attachment loss:<\/strong> Cairo classification compares attachment loss <strong>between teeth (interdental)<\/strong> with attachment loss on the <strong>facial\/buccal<\/strong> side.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Cairo recession types (RT)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Cairo classification defines three recession types:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>RT1:<\/strong> Gingival recession with <strong>no loss of interproximal (interdental) attachment<\/strong>. Interdental CEJ is not clinically detectable, and interdental CAL is essentially absent.<\/li>\n<li><strong>RT2:<\/strong> Gingival recession with <strong>interdental attachment loss present<\/strong>, but the amount of interdental CAL is <strong>less than or equal to<\/strong> the buccal CAL.<\/li>\n<li><strong>RT3:<\/strong> Gingival recession with <strong>interdental attachment loss greater than<\/strong> the buccal CAL.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In simple terms: RT1 suggests recession without significant loss between teeth, RT2 suggests some loss between teeth but not worse than the facial side, and RT3 suggests the between-tooth loss is more advanced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cairo classification Procedure overview (How it\u2019s applied)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Cairo classification is a diagnostic assessment, not a filling or bonding procedure. The common restorative sequence below does not apply to assigning a Cairo recession type.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Isolation \u2192 etch\/bond \u2192 place \u2192 cure \u2192 finish\/polish <em>(not applicable to Cairo classification; these are steps used for resin restorations, not periodontal classification).<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A concise, general workflow for applying Cairo classification typically looks like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Clinical exam and history review:<\/strong> Document symptoms (such as sensitivity), oral hygiene habits, and periodontal history.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Identify the CEJ (if possible):<\/strong> The CEJ is the reference point for many recession and attachment measurements.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Measure the recession:<\/strong> Record how far the gum margin is positioned relative to the CEJ (recession depth), typically on the facial surface.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Probe and record periodontal parameters:<\/strong> Measure probing depths and bleeding where relevant as part of a periodontal charting routine.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Determine clinical attachment levels (CAL):<\/strong> Calculate or record buccal\/facial CAL and interdental CAL.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Compare interdental CAL to buccal CAL:<\/strong> This comparison determines RT1 vs RT2 vs RT3.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Assign and document the Cairo recession type (RT):<\/strong> Record the classification in the chart and, when needed, in referral notes or treatment planning documentation.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Measurement approaches and charting protocols can vary by clinician and case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Types \/ variations of Cairo classification<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The core \u201ctypes\u201d in Cairo classification are the three recession types:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>RT1<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>RT2<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>RT3<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In everyday clinical use, dentists often describe additional \u201cvariations\u201d around these types to better capture what they are seeing, even though these are not separate Cairo categories. Common complementary descriptors include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Single vs multiple recession defects:<\/strong> One tooth vs several teeth affected.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Tooth location:<\/strong> Front teeth vs premolars\/molars; upper vs lower arch.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Recession depth and width:<\/strong> How much root is exposed and how broad the defect appears.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Gingival phenotype (tissue thickness):<\/strong> Thin vs thick tissue can be noted because it may influence management choices.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Keratinized tissue width:<\/strong> The band of firm, keratinized gum may be recorded because it affects comfort and plaque control in some patients.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Presence of non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs):<\/strong> Abrasion\/erosion\/abfraction-like lesions can change the visible \u201ccervical\u201d contour and may complicate measurement.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Periodontal staging\/grading context:<\/strong> In patients with periodontitis, clinicians may document recession type alongside periodontal diagnosis for a fuller picture.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These additions do not replace the Cairo recession type; they expand the clinical description.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pros and cons<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Pros:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Provides a <strong>clear, standardized framework<\/strong> for classifying gum recession<\/li>\n<li>Centers the classification on <strong>interdental attachment status<\/strong>, which is clinically meaningful<\/li>\n<li>Useful for <strong>communication<\/strong> among providers and for referrals<\/li>\n<li>Supports <strong>consistent charting<\/strong> and follow-up comparisons over time<\/li>\n<li>Commonly taught and referenced in <strong>periodontal education<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Helps distinguish recession patterns that may be associated with different underlying tissue support<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Cons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Depends on <strong>accurate identification of the CEJ<\/strong>, which is not always straightforward<\/li>\n<li>Requires <strong>reliable probing and CAL assessment<\/strong>, which can vary with technique and tissue condition<\/li>\n<li>Does not directly include factors like <strong>tissue thickness, keratinized tissue width, or vestibular depth<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Does not grade the <strong>severity<\/strong> of recession by millimeters; it categorizes by attachment pattern<\/li>\n<li>Can be more challenging to apply when there are <strong>restorations, crowns, or significant cervical wear<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Inter-examiner consistency can vary, especially for early learners, without calibration<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Aftercare &amp; longevity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Because Cairo classification is a diagnostic label rather than a treatment, there is no \u201caftercare\u201d for the classification itself. However, the underlying condition\u2014gum recession and any contributing periodontal issues\u2014may be monitored over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Factors that commonly influence how recession-related conditions behave long-term include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Oral hygiene quality and technique:<\/strong> Plaque control and brushing habits can affect gum inflammation and tissue stability.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Bite forces and tooth position:<\/strong> Heavy bite forces or malpositioned teeth may be associated with mechanical stress patterns. Relevance varies by clinician and case.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Bruxism (clenching\/grinding):<\/strong> May contribute to tooth wear and cervical changes in some patients.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Gum tissue phenotype:<\/strong> Thinner tissues may be more prone to visible changes, though outcomes vary.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Presence of periodontal disease:<\/strong> Active periodontitis can affect attachment levels and interdental tissues.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Regular dental checkups:<\/strong> Ongoing exams allow clinicians to track measurements and detect changes earlier.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Material choices when restorations are involved:<\/strong> If a cervical lesion is restored, longevity depends on factors like isolation, bonding conditions, occlusion, and the specific product used (varies by material and manufacturer).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Clinicians may re-measure recession and attachment levels over time and update documentation if the clinical picture changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Alternatives \/ comparisons<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Cairo classification is often discussed alongside other ways of describing or managing recession. Some \u201calternatives\u201d are <strong>other classification systems<\/strong>, while others are <strong>treatment materials<\/strong> used when recession overlaps with tooth surface loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cairo classification vs other recession classifications<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Miller classification:<\/strong> An older and still commonly mentioned system that groups recession based on soft tissue and interdental bone\/soft tissue considerations. Many educators now emphasize Cairo classification because it is tied to interdental CAL assessment in a structured way.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Descriptive charting without a named system:<\/strong> Some clinicians primarily document recession in millimeters plus periodontal parameters, especially when landmarks are unclear.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Which approach is used in a given practice can vary by clinician and case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cairo classification vs restorative materials (composites, glass ionomer, compomer)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>These are not competing \u201cclassifications,\u201d but they often come up because recession can coexist with cervical defects and sensitivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Flowable vs packable composite:<\/strong> These are resin-based restorative options. They are chosen based on handling, adaptation, and clinical preferences. They do not classify recession; they may be used to restore tooth structure at the gumline in selected situations.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Glass ionomer:<\/strong> A restorative material sometimes selected for cervical areas due to its handling characteristics and moisture tolerance profile. Performance depends on the specific product and clinical conditions.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Compomer:<\/strong> A resin-modified material category that may be used in some cervical restorations depending on clinician preference and indication.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In practice, clinicians may use Cairo classification to describe the periodontal\/recession status and separately decide whether any restorative approach is appropriate for associated tooth surface loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Common questions (FAQ) of Cairo classification<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: What does Cairo classification tell me as a patient?<\/strong><br\/>\nIt describes the <em>type<\/em> of gum recession based on whether there is attachment loss between teeth. This helps a clinician explain the condition in a structured way and document it consistently. It does not, by itself, determine a single required treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: Is Cairo classification the same as having gum disease?<\/strong><br\/>\nNot necessarily. RT1 can be used when there is recession without interdental attachment loss, which may occur without periodontitis. RT2 and RT3 involve interdental attachment loss, which can be associated with periodontal disease, but interpretation depends on the full periodontal evaluation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: Does the Cairo recession type predict whether root coverage will work?<\/strong><br\/>\nIt can help frame expectations because interdental attachment status is clinically relevant to soft tissue outcomes. However, results depend on many factors (tissue phenotype, defect shape, oral hygiene, clinician approach), so outcomes vary by clinician and case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: Is the exam to determine Cairo classification painful?<\/strong><br\/>\nIt is typically based on a standard periodontal exam, which includes gentle probing around the teeth and measuring gum positions. Some people feel pressure or brief tenderness, especially if gums are inflamed. Comfort levels vary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: How much does Cairo classification cost?<\/strong><br\/>\nThere is usually no separate \u201cclassification fee\u201d; it is typically part of a periodontal evaluation or comprehensive exam. Costs and billing practices vary by clinic, region, and insurance plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: How long does a Cairo classification \u201clast\u201d?<\/strong><br\/>\nThe label is a snapshot of the current clinical measurements. If gum position or attachment levels change over time, the recorded recession type may also change. Regular documentation helps track stability or progression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: Is Cairo classification safe?<\/strong><br\/>\nIt is a documentation method based on routine clinical measurements. The probing and measuring used are standard parts of dental examinations. As with any exam, patient comfort and tissue condition can influence how it feels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: If I have RT2 or RT3, does that mean I need surgery?<\/strong><br\/>\nNo. The recession type is descriptive and does not automatically indicate a specific treatment. Management options\u2014if any\u2014depend on symptoms, esthetic concerns, periodontal diagnosis, risk factors, and clinician judgment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: Can Cairo classification be used if I have crowns or fillings at the gumline?<\/strong><br\/>\nSometimes, but it can be harder when the CEJ is covered or altered by restorations or wear. In those cases, clinicians may use additional reference points and descriptive notes. Documentation approaches vary by clinician and case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: Does Cairo classification explain tooth sensitivity?<\/strong><br\/>\nIt helps describe recession, and exposed root surfaces can be associated with sensitivity for some people. Sensitivity can also relate to enamel wear, cavities, cracks, or restorative issues, so clinicians typically evaluate more than recession type alone.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Cairo classification is a clinical system used to describe gum recession (gingival recession) in a standardized way. It groups recession defects into categories based on whether there is attachment loss between teeth (interdental clinical attachment loss). Dentists and periodontists commonly use it during periodontal examinations and when discussing root coverage planning. It helps clinicians communicate findings clearly in charts, referrals, and research.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3639","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Cairo classification: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview - Best Dental Hospitals<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/cairo-classification-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Cairo classification: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview - Best Dental Hospitals\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Cairo classification is a clinical system used to describe gum recession (gingival recession) in a standardized way. It groups recession defects into categories based on whether there is attachment loss between teeth (interdental clinical attachment loss). Dentists and periodontists commonly use it during periodontal examinations and when discussing root coverage planning. It helps clinicians communicate findings clearly in charts, referrals, and research.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/cairo-classification-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Best Dental Hospitals\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-02-27T18:28:35+00:00\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"drdental\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"drdental\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"11 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/cairo-classification-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/cairo-classification-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview\/\",\"name\":\"Cairo classification: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview - Best Dental Hospitals\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2026-02-27T18:28:35+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/5729031a8ff1a9a243a97107e2fa8aa0\"},\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/cairo-classification-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/cairo-classification-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/cairo-classification-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Cairo classification: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/\",\"name\":\"My blog\",\"description\":\"Connecting You to the Best Dental Care \u2013 Worldwide\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/5729031a8ff1a9a243a97107e2fa8aa0\",\"name\":\"drdental\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/2d2e33e0c976345379e0019cc3e40b6d7c1800f9b730970838f2b0ec2c7ec326?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/2d2e33e0c976345379e0019cc3e40b6d7c1800f9b730970838f2b0ec2c7ec326?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"drdental\"},\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/author\/drdental\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Cairo classification: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview - Best Dental Hospitals","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/cairo-classification-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Cairo classification: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview - Best Dental Hospitals","og_description":"Cairo classification is a clinical system used to describe gum recession (gingival recession) in a standardized way. It groups recession defects into categories based on whether there is attachment loss between teeth (interdental clinical attachment loss). Dentists and periodontists commonly use it during periodontal examinations and when discussing root coverage planning. It helps clinicians communicate findings clearly in charts, referrals, and research.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/cairo-classification-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview\/","og_site_name":"Best Dental Hospitals","article_published_time":"2026-02-27T18:28:35+00:00","author":"drdental","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"drdental","Est. reading time":"11 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/cairo-classification-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview\/","url":"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/cairo-classification-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview\/","name":"Cairo classification: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview - Best Dental Hospitals","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/#website"},"datePublished":"2026-02-27T18:28:35+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/5729031a8ff1a9a243a97107e2fa8aa0"},"breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/cairo-classification-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/cairo-classification-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview\/"]}]},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/cairo-classification-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Cairo classification: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/","name":"My blog","description":"Connecting You to the Best Dental Care \u2013 Worldwide","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/5729031a8ff1a9a243a97107e2fa8aa0","name":"drdental","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/2d2e33e0c976345379e0019cc3e40b6d7c1800f9b730970838f2b0ec2c7ec326?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/2d2e33e0c976345379e0019cc3e40b6d7c1800f9b730970838f2b0ec2c7ec326?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"drdental"},"url":"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/author\/drdental\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3639","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3639"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3639\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3639"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3639"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3639"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}