Gums shrink w. aging, I am sorry to say, and expose the more tender stuff below enamel (dentine?) Flossing is important, but please don't tell me that you have not been to a dentist in a while. I go four xs/year for prevention since the bad stuff (cavities, root canal, periodontal work is a zillion times more painful than maintenance). Never mind the cost!!! Check w. friends about a dentist who will talk to you first about anxiety and painless work. Any reputable dentist will do that.Take music that calms you...breathe a lot. The worst that can happen is a brief prick of novocaine...like getting a tetanus shot or a bee sting. The dentist will put a topical anesthesia on spot before jabbing you; then it is la la land. Also some dentists use nitrous oxide....la la la la land. You are not bad, just tempting fate. How old are you? Why isn't someone nagging you :-) (besides me?)