periodontitis

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

noun Dentistry.

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. Compare pyorrhea(def 2).

Origin of periodontitis

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

Example sentences from the Web for periodontitis

Medical definitions for periodontitis

periodontitis
[ pĕr′ē-ō′dŏn-tītĭs ]

n.

Disease of the periodontium characterized by inflammation of the gums, resorption of the alveolar bone, and degeneration of the periodontal membrane.