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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

periodontitis

"Demonstrating that it's possible to treat severe periodontitis by modulating the body's own response is new and relevant information that helps preserve antibiotics for when they are truly indispensable," says Feres.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 30, 2026

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 patients in the study had apical periodontitis, a deep infection located around the very end of a tooth root.

From Science Daily ● May 16, 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

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