periodontitis

noun

peri·​odon·​ti·​tis ˌper-ē-(ˌ)ō-ˌdän-ˈtī-təs 

: inflammation of the supporting structures of the teeth and especially the periodontal membrane

Examples of periodontitis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Age: About 60% of adults ages 65 or older develop periodontitis. —Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 3 July 2024

In periodontitis, bacteria can lodge deeper into the gums, causing further inflammation and tooth decay. —Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 8 Apr. 2024

But correlation is not the same as cause and effect, and scientists have not nailed down the exact relationship between periodontitis, which affects more than 11 percent of the global population, and various systemic diseases. —Lola Butcher, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Mar. 2024

That still does not prove that preventing periodontitis will hold heart problems at bay: Some other habit or feature of the toothbrushing group could have been the important factor. —Lola Butcher, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

periodontitis

noun

peri·​odon·​ti·​tis ˌper-ē-(ˌ)ō-ˌdän-ˈtīt-əs 

: inflammation of the periodontium and especially chronic inflammation that typically follows untreated gingivitis and that results in progressive destruction of the periodontal ligament, formation of pockets around the teeth, and resorption of alveolar bone chiefly in a horizontal direction with loosening or loss of teeth

called also pericementitis