Why are my gums receding?

There area a number of causes for gum recession and root exposure. Traumatic tooth brushing or using a hard tooth brush is one that's preventable. You should use a soft brush and make small circles with it as you go from tooth to tooth. Don't scrub with a sawing motion, and use light pressure. If you use an electric brush, don't push too hard. Most of the current models will either stop or a flashing red light will come on when you press too hard. Another cause of tooth recession is grinding and clenching your teeth. This is a hard habit to break, but a bite guard can help control the damage that this causes. Lastly, some people are just born with thin gums that are prone to recession. These are the people who most benefit from gum grafts. Generally, once a graft is done, the gums stabilize and further recession is minimized. 

"I'll just replace the tooth when I get insurance."

I hear this quite often, and it sometimes leads to a more expensive tooth replacement. Even if you have a bone graft at the time of a tooth removal, bone will tend to be lost over time. Often this necessitates another bone graft prior to implant placement. The best time to get an implant is at the time of the tooth removal if possible. The second best time is a few months after the tooth was removed and a bone graft placed. Too often when people put off tooth replacement, months turn into years, and the replacement becomes more complex than it had to be. An implant is an investment in yourself, why not enjoy the benefits of it for the maximum amount of time and possibly save money in the long run?

"My gums have receded, and my dentist wants to cover my exposed roots with white fillings."

If there is decay on a root surface, it will need a filling to stop and prevent further decay. Placing white fillings over root surfaces for aesthetic reasons though is sometimes a bad idea. If the objection is gum recession, why not cover the exposed root with gum tissue? This is generally the best option, as it prevents further recession, reduces sensitivity, and looks more natural. Once a filling has been placed on a root surface, it is more difficult to get a gum graft to adhere. Before you get a root filling, see a periodontist for a consultation. He can tell you if there is a better alternative.