When teeth are crooked or fillings and crowns are placed without properly balancing the bite receding gums may possibly occur.  Receding gums are best prevented by brushing with a soft toothbrush, using mild-to-moderate pressure and small circular or very short back and forth motions.  A number of factors can be causing receding gums including brushing too hard, mouth injuries or trauma, smoking, oral piercing, misaligned, gapped or crooked teeth and periodontal disease  which refers to the inflammation and infection of the gums, bones and tissues that anchor teeth to the jaw.  If all teeth have receding gums, it is more likely that gum disease should be blamed.  Gum disease is the main cause of receding gums.  Age can also play a role in receding gums, especially in women in their menopausal stage where there is a change of hormones occur.  If oral hygiene can not reverse receding gums, further treatments may be needed.