The term periodontics encompasses everything related to the treatment of periodontal diseases, that is, those caused by the accumulation of bacterial plaque and tartar in the neck of the teeth, the gum (gingivitis) and below the latter (periodontitis).​
To treat gingivitis, periodontics involves performing a special kind of dental cleansing which eliminates plaque and tartar. In general, all people should have a professional oral cleansing at least once a year, otherwise it is easy for gingivitis to progress and turn into periodontitis. Periodontitis has more serious effects and consequences, since it can form periodontal pockets that cause damage to the root of the tooth, its bone structure and tissues that support it.​
In more advanced phases of periodontitis it is necessary to scrape and smooth the tooth’s root to eliminate bacterial plaque, tartar and periodontal pockets. In more extreme cases it may be necessary to perform periodontal surgery to achieve regeneration of the bone that has been lost.​
After a periodontal treatment, sustained maintenance is necessary every 3 or 6 months. This consists of a complete check up tooth by tooth, evaluation of the quality of oral hygiene of the patient and a dental cleaning.​
The best way to prevent periodontal disease and therefore the need to undergo periodontal techniques is to maintain proper oral hygiene.