periodontitis

American  

[per-ee-oh-don-tahy-tis] / ˌpɛr i oʊ dɒnˈtaɪ tɪs /

noun

Dentistry.

1. inflammation of the periodontium caused by bacteria that infect the roots of teeth and the surrounding gum crevices, producing bleeding, pus formation, and gradual loss of bone and the tissues that support the teeth.

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Etymology

Origin of periodontitis

First recorded in 1870–75; periodont(ium) + -itis

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

periodontitis

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly half of all adults aged 30 years and older have periodontitis, the more serious type of gum disease that involves bone loss around teeth.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 26, 2026

Most are part of a healthy ecosystem, but a smaller group can thrive below the gumline, inflame the gums and drive diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 26, 2026

The human mouth contains more than 700 types of bacteria, but only a small number are linked to periodontitis.

From Science Daily ● Apr. 13, 2026

A recent study suggests that older Americans who do not get enough lycopene in their diets face a much higher risk of developing severe periodontitis.

From Science Daily ● Feb. 10, 2026

The infection may spread from the tooth to the alveolo-dental periosteum, and set up a periodontitis.

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