periodontal

American  

[per-ee-uh-don-tl] / ˌpɛr i əˈdɒn tl /

adjective

Dentistry.

1. of or relating to the periodontium.

2. of or relating to periodontics.

3. of or relating to the periodontal membrane.

---

periodontal British  

/ ˌpɛrɪəˈdɒntəl /

adjective

1. of, denoting, or affecting the gums and other tissues surrounding the teeth

   periodontal disease

---

Etymology

Origin of periodontal

First recorded in 1850–55; peri- + -odont + -al ¹

Example Sentences

"Different antimicrobial mouthwashes, whether available over-the-counter or on prescription, can be used in the management of gingivitis, dental caries, periodontal diseases, halitosis, etc."

From Science Daily • Dec. 8, 2025

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a chronic inflammation or infection of the gums and the bone that supports the teeth.

From Science Daily • Oct. 27, 2025

Work we have done with our collaborators has shown that treating plaque samples from periodontal disease patients with 6.5 mmol of nitrate increased healthy bacteria levels and reduced acidity.

From Salon • Jan. 30, 2024

Some experts think nicotine deteriorates gum tissue, which could lead to periodontal disease, said Irfan Rahman, a researcher at the University of Rochester Medicine who has studied nicotine pouches.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 25, 2024

They really originate in the periosteum of the alveolus or in the periodontal membrane, and are essentially of the nature of fibro-sarcoma.

From Manual of Surgery Volume Second: Extremities—Head—Neck. Sixth Edition. by Miles, Alexander