Periodontics is concerned with which type of diseases?

Periodontics primarily focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases that affect the supporting structures of the teeth, including the gums. This specialty addresses various conditions related to the periodontal tissues, which consist of the gums, periodontal ligaments, and the underlying bone. Gum diseases, also known as periodontal diseases, can range from gingivitis, which is inflammation of the gums, to more severe conditions like periodontal disease that can lead to tooth loss if not treated.

While other choices mention different structures and diseases related to teeth, they do not align with the primary scope of periodontics. For example, dental pulp diseases relate to issues within the tooth itself, enamel diseases pertain to the outer hard layer protecting the tooth, and cementum diseases involve the specialized tissue covering the tooth root. None of these focus on the gingival and supportive structures, which are pivotal in periodontics. Therefore, gum diseases are accurately representative of the area of concern for this dental specialty, making this the correct choice.