While healthy gums are pink and firmly attached to the teeth, inflamed gums appear swollen and bleed easily when touched by the toothbrush. Gum inflammation is one of the symptoms of periodontal disease (gum disease). It is normally not noticeable to the affected person. When the periodontal disease (gum disease) becomes more severe, the gums recede and the roots of the teeth are exposed, the person feels his teeth appear "longer". In fact this is a manifestation of the destruction of the tooth-supporting tissues. If the tissues continue to recede, the teeth will look longer and longer.
