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Periodontics is the study of clinical aspects of the supporting structures of the teeth(i.e the periodontium), which includes the gingiva(gums), alveolar bone(jaw), root cementum, and the periodontal ligament. The word comes from the Greek words peri meaning around and odons meaning tooth. Literally taken, it means study of that which is "around the tooth". A periodontist is a dentist that specialises in treating diseases of the periodontium . Periodontal diseases take on many different forms, but is usually a result of bacterial infection of the gums. Untreated, it often leads to tooth loss and alveolar bone loss. Also see: periodontology, periodontitis

Periodontology is the branch of dentistry concerned with the health of the tooth supporting structures, ie. the gingiva, periodontal ligament, root cementum and alveolar bone. It also involves the placing of dental implants to replace missing teeth.

Typically dental hygienists(or dentists) use special instruments to clean(debride) teeth below the gumline and disrupt any plaque growing below the gumline. This is a standard treatment to prevent any further progress of established periodontitis. Studies show that after such a professional cleaning(periodontal debridement), bacteria and plaque tend to grow back to pre-cleaning levels after about 3-4 months. Hence, in theory, cleanings every 3-4 months might be expected to also prevent the initial onset of periodontitis. However analysis of published research has reported little evidence either to support this or the intervals at which this should occur.[1] Instead it is advocated that the interval between dental check-ups should be determined specifically for each patient between every 3 to 24 months.[2][3] Nonetheless, the continued stabilization of a patient's periodontal state depends largely, if not primarily, on the patient's oral hygiene at home if not on the go too. Without daily oral hygiene, periodontal disease will not be overcome, especially if the patient has a history of extensive periodontal disease.