So I made a trip to get my bottom braces off today, and while I was there I had my checkup too, so I don't have to go back until July.

While the hygienist (I like to refer to him as the Executioner) was cleaning my teeth with his orthodontal torture gadget, he said, "We really need to get you flossing." I have like... little gaps between my teeth from the soft tissue receding a bit from not having flossed in a while. My teeth don't hurt or anything, and it's not the gums that have receded... just that soft tissue between the teeth.

So my concern is whether or not the tissue will go back up if I floss on a regular basis. I think the hygienist said it would, it just means being more aggressive with that interdental plaque!

Also, any tips would be helpful. I was told I have to floss extremely well in between my molars too, because they had those rings on them while the braces were there, and the guy told me, "You're almost definately going to get cavities in between there if you don't."

Now I'm scared, because I'm worried if I DO try my best to floss well, it's still not going to be good enough.

I'm absolutely terrified. I've ALWAYS hated going to the dentist, and now their intimidation tactics have pushed me into further fear.

PS - is it okay to whiten if that soft tissue is down a little bit? It won't cause further receding, will it? Or do any damage?

Just a note from someone who wasn't very good at flossing...the lack of flossing regularly and well has put me in the position now of having severe periodontal disease. Believe what they are telling you and make a point of flossing everyday. You can keep your teeth healthy by following the advice your dental people are giving you. I wish they had explained all that to me as just a little more flossing would probably have saved my teeth.

If you are talking about the gum in between your teeth then no they will not grow back. Once you have damaged the papillae it will not grow back. But usually when you have braces the papillae are enlarged due to not flossing, not receding like you said. No matter what outcome you are looking for you should always floss once a day.