Periodontium refers to the specialized tissues that both surround and support the teeth, maintaining them in the maxillary and mandibular bones. The word comes from the Greek terms peri-, meaning "around" and -odons, meaning "tooth." Literally taken, it means that which's "around the tooth". Periodontics's the dental specialty that relates specifically to the care and maintenance of these tissues. The following four tissues make up the periodontium: Alveolar bone Cementum Gingiva or gums Per… (More on Periodontium)