Periodontology is the study of a specialized system of hard (bone) and soft tissue (gingiva) that supports the teeth and maintains its position in the maxilla and mandible (bones of the skull). This set of tissues is called periodontium and is composed of alveolar bone, root cement, periodontal ligament and gingiva. The teeth are inside the alveolar bone and are supported by the periodontal ligament that joins the cement that covers the root of the tooth. These living tissues can adapt to different changes in the mouth that allow to maintain the position of the teeth in a stable manner.

The main function of the periodontium (gum tissues) is to keep the teeth in their position inside the bone but also acts as a buffer during mastication preventing damage to the teeth when they receive excessive forces. The tissues and teeth act and work together to protect themselves and promote proper function during chewing. 

The oral state of a person can be a clear indication of their general health, in particular the periodontal condition of their gums, can show us much more than simply what happens at the level of the periodontology. Systemic diseases (diabetes, smoking, HIV, …) can have a direct effect on the structures that support the teeth. Some pathologies can also be detected through the mouth before they are evident in any other part of the body. For this reason, periodontists (gum dentists) may be the first to detect signs of a general illness such as diabetes or blood disorders. The dental office or the periodontist can become a center for early detection of diabetes.