One tooth--gumline changing

[Candymomof3]

so, I actually have a concern this time...I go to my dentist for a cleaning in Jan, and I also go back to my ortho on the 18th...so I will ask them about this then...but it is starting to worry me now. I have one tooth on the bottom...third from the center (agh, don't know the tooth name-haha) where the gum line has receeded pretty dramatically. It's not noticable to any one else because it is on the bottom, but I am wondering WHY, and why on just one tooth? If it is because of brushing too hard, then I would assume there would be more than one tooth affected. I think I am pretty aware of brushing not too hard and focusing on the tooth and not the gum line, but then again..maybe I am doing something wrong. I am worried it's going to get worse, and how far does it receed before it causes major problems?
the same tooth on the opposite side is fine, and the gum line is pretty much right below the bracket....on this tooth I am worried about, I could probably fit a second bracket directly below it. Scary! What the heck? What can be done?
On a good note...coming up on my 1 year anniversary! I can not believe how fast this year in braces has gone. Back on Jan 5 of 09....I thought the year would DRAG by....but nope...I am 12 months in, and my teeth have changed SO much...loving it!

[Sunny]

Candy it's your lower canine and this can happen due to the gum being damaged when brushing, general wear and tear ... and mostly happens as we age. There are also some studies that show a genetic link that results in gum shrinkage.

Tissue can be taken from the roof of your mouth and sown to that area ... in a graft operation. This is done if the root is exposed and the tooth becomes at risk of coming loose.

Talk to your ortho and dentista about this, and make sure you're very careful when brushing in that area.

It's fantastic that your time is flying by so quickly! Here's to your treatment soon being over!

Good luck!