I have gum recession especially bottom teeth. even though my gums may be healthy, i definitely have bone loss surrounding each tooth, right?

Yes: Your gums may be healthy now, but at one time they were not, that has led to the gum recession and bone loss.

Correct: Bone loss must occur prior to visible gum recession. However some gum recession is normal as you get older. Your dentist knows what is normal versus active gum disease, which is the other reason for bone loss.

Most likely: The real question is how much bone loss. At 72 having some bone loss wouldn't be unusual. The concerns are: continued bone loss, loose teeth, untreated/undiagnosed gum disease. Your dentist can easly perform a periodontal exam and risk assesment for you. See your dentist and dicuss your particular periodontal needs.

Possibly/like;y: Depending on the amount of recession, there may or may not be bone involved. Gum diseases (periodontitis) is possible. Bone loss and recession often occur bio-mechanically; produced by force applied to teeth. Bruxing, clenching and grinding the teeth is a common cause, get it checked out by a dentist asap.

Periodontal disease: Most often if you have receding gingiva its associated with some form of disease weather it's gum disease or occlusal trauma , if you have not seen your dentists my advice , it's easy for him to diagnose it rather than any one of us on this health panel , good luck.

Probably. May be due to infective inflammatory disease, improper oral hygiene, or occlusal trauma. If you can visualize recession, your problem is advanced. For leading edge diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan see a Periodontist, a gum/bone specialist.