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Gums or gingiva are the transparent tissue which covers the jawbone. The gums are connected to the teeth and jawbone by the periodontal fiber  They are red or pink in colour due to the blood vessels in them. The colour varies depending on the race and complexion of the person, but healthy gums have a uniform colour throughout.

Normally, gums cover the space between the teeth and overlap on the tooth.  The gums have a firm texture. The gums or gingiva are divided into 3 portions - the outer edge or marginal gingiva, the attached gingiva which is connected to the alveolar bone and  the inter dental gingiva which covers the gap between the teeth. 

Gingivitis, the inflammation of  the gum tissue is a common gum disease. The gums are swollen and bleed easily due to the buildup of  plaque or tartar along the gum line. Bleeding while brushing or flossing teeth is a sign of gingivitis. It can be treated by brushing and flossing teeth properly. However, if  the tartar/plaque is allowed to build up, it could cause the destruction of  the bone and structure around the tooth (periodontitis). At the initial stages, it is painless and often unnoticed by the patient.

During periodontitis, the gums become red and swollen because the decay of  food particles by  the bacteria   Pus is formed between the teeth and chewing food may become painful. The permanent teeth become loose and seem to separate out. The way the teeth fit together changes. Bad breath is another sign of  periodontitis.  In severe periodontitis, the gums may recede and are unable to provide support to the teeth, which will start falling off.  Periodontitis can be treated and cured , if detected at an early stage by  a dentist

Receding gums which expose the roots of  the teeth may be due to age or gum diseases. If  a hard toothbrush is used to brush the teeth several times a day, the surface of  the gums get worn out. This problem can be reduced by using a soft toothbrush and applying less pressure while brushing the teeth. Since the exposed root surfaces of the teeth are sensitive to heat and cold, medications may be applied to protect the surface from decay. At times, tissue may be grafted to cover the exposed root surface of the tooth.