Will a mouth guard keep my gums from receding? All my gums are slightly or somewhat receding; however, I had gum grafting on 3 teeth because the gingiva was totally gone. It is currently in the process of healing. I have excellent dental hygiene; however, when I was young I brushed my teeth too hard w/a hard tooth brush. I use soft electric brush now. My periodontist thinks I might be clenching at night just simply based on my personality. She wants me to get a mouth guard that you put on only the top teeth at night. There's a chance I could be clenching, but I'm not sure. I know I did wake up with my teeth together real tight but that was only one night this week. I don't have periodontal disease. My gums are in good health other than the receding. The periodontist has verified this. I also don't have gingivitis.  Considering all I have just told you do you recommend the mouth guard or would I be wasting my time and money?

Summarized question: Does a mouth guard prevent receding in gums?