Summarize this article in one sentence.
If you brush your teeth too roughly, over time it can cause your gums to recede. Brushing gently with a soft bristled brush can allow your gums the ability to recover. There are some electric toothbrushes that will give you a warning when you are pushing too hard. If you have a history of brushing too hard, this might be a good product to invest in. If you have receding gums, it may be caused by a lack of basic dental care. If you haven't been brushing, start brushing twice a day. This will minimize the buildup of bacteria and food debris around your gum line, which will allow your gums to grow back. Be sure to use a toothpaste that has fluoride in it. If you really want to keep your teeth clean, begin brushing your teeth after each meal. Flossing daily will remove food debris, bacteria, and plaque build up from between your teeth. This will allow the gums in between your teeth to remain healthy. There are also special picks and brushes that your dentist may recommend for cleaning between your teeth. If you are grinding or clenching your teeth, the force you are creating can make your gums recede. To soften this force and allow your gums to regenerate, start wearing a bite guard. Signs that you are grinding your teeth include a sore jaw or face, chipped or flattened teeth, tooth pain, and an unexplained headache. Many people choose to wear their bite guard at night, when teeth grinding can occur involuntarily. If you are suffering from dry mouth, it can also increase the likelihood that your gums will recede. To increase your saliva production, try chewing sugar-free gum regularly or talk to your doctor about medications that can help increase the amount of saliva you are producing. Saliva protects the gums from bacteria and plaque build up, so having too little of it can impact your gum health.
Brush your teeth more gently. Brush your teeth twice a day. Floss once a day. Wear a bite guard. Improve your saliva production.