04/03/2026
Stillman’s cleft vs McCall’s festoon (two classic gum contour changes) 🦷
These are shape changes of the gum margin often linked with chronic irritation, trauma, and/or periodontal issues — and they’re commonly taught in perio.
1) Stillman’s cleft
A narrow, V-shaped / triangular “split” in the gum margin (usually on the facial/buccal side). It’s considered a form of localized gingival recession/defect and has been associated with traumatic toothbrushing, floss trauma, and occlusal trauma (etiology can be multifactorial).
Why it matters: it can progress into more obvious recession, sensitivity, and esthetic problems if the cause isn’t fixed.
2) McCall’s festoon
A rolled, thickened “lifesaver/crescent” band of marginal gingiva—often seen around areas of recession, sometimes as a tissue response linked with plaque-related inflammation and chronic irritation.
Why it matters: it can create a pseudopocket and make plaque control harder, so inflammation tends to persist until hygiene and local factors improve.
What to do (patient-friendly)
🔹Fix the trigger: gentle brushing technique, appropriate interdental cleaning, address plaque/calculus, check for traumatic bite/occlusion where relevant.
🔹If recession or pain is significant, a dentist/periodontist may consider periodontal therapy (and sometimes surgery for coverage/contour in selected cases).