I had badly receding and bleeding gums, my dentist gave me some advice which worked, it may do for you. She told me to get an electric toothbrush, a good one, I got a braun, cost about forty quid, but it was worth it, she also said to not only brush the teeth, but the gums also, the bleeding stopped after a few days, and I now don't suffer. Hope this is of some help.
Lonnie is so right. I had the same problem - dentist said to get a sonicare toothbrush - similar to electric but a different action, and it was the best �70 odd quid I've ever spent. Completely reversed what was happening to my gums and my teeth feel brilliantly clean - all the time. I see hygienist for a clean every year and my gums have stopped receding. By the way, the brush is still going strong some four years on - just change the brush heads once every three months - a bargain. Good Luck