periodontitis

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

Definition of periodontitis

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

Recent Examples of periodontitis from the Web

However, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, with more-severe infection and damage to the bone and tissue that hold teeth in place, sometimes requiring the removal of teeth.

— linda searing, Washington Post, "Gum disease is associated with a higher risk for some cancers in older women," 7 Aug. 2017
Eighty percent of the adult population in the United States has some level of periodontal disease, a chronic inflammatory, infectious disease that includes gingivitis and periodontitis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

— dr. dana rockey, Orange County Register, "Well checks don’t guarantee that all is well," 24 Apr. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'periodontitis.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of periodontitis

New Latin

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1870

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

periodontitis

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

medical Definition of periodontitis

:inflammation of the periodontium and esp. 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