Periodontology is the specialty of dentistry that deals with the tissues around the teeth (periodontium: gum and bone) and the diseases that can affect these tissues. Healthy periodontium is very important in maintaining natural dentition because it is the support of the teeth in the oral cavity. When the periodontium is diseased, the preservation of the dentition is compromised. The two important periodontal diseases are gingivitis and periodontitis.
Gingivitis is inflammation that is limited to the gums only and causes them to bleed. In more advanced stages, periodontal disease progresses deeper into the bone and is called periodontitis. Periodontal disease can affect one or more teeth. The main cause of the disease is dental plaque (a sticky, colorless film that forms firmly on the gums).
Other aggravating factors are smoking, heredity, stress, diabetes, medications, 
systemic diseases, eating habits, pregnancy. Periodontal diseases are treated. In particular, the treatment of gingivitis consists of removal (removal of tartar-tartar by professional cleaning) and proper oral hygiene. Gingivitis with proper care is completely reversible. However, if proper measures and treatment are not taken, gingivitis can develop into the more advanced disease of periodontitis. The treatment of periodontitis is divided into conservative and surgical phases.