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
Words nearby periodontitis
Example sentences from the Web for periodontitis
If you have bad breath, gingivitis or periodontitis …A probiotic lozenge or mouthwash might be your best bet.
Periodontitis is usually followed by the formation of an alveolar abscess.
The infection may spread from the tooth to the alveolo-dental periosteum, and set up a periodontitis.
Medical definitions for periodontitis
periodontitis
[ pĕr′ē-ō′dŏn-tī′tĭs ]
n.
Disease of the periodontium characterized by inflammation of the gums, resorption of the alveolar bone, and degeneration of the periodontal membrane.