Gum treatment, also known as periodontal treatment, focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease, which affects the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a common condition that can range from mild gum inflammation to more severe forms that can damage the bone and tissue around the teeth (periodontitis). This is a deep cleaning procedure that removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. Scaling involves scraping away plaque and tartar from the teeth surfaces, while root planing smooths the tooth roots to help gums reattach to the teeth.