periodontal

adjective

peri·​odon·​tal ˌper-ē-ō-ˈdän-tᵊl 

1

: investing or surrounding a tooth

2

: of or affecting periodontal tissues or regions

periodontal diseases

periodontally

ˌper-ē-ō-ˈdän-tᵊl-ē 

adverb

Did you know?

Dentists and Periodontal Problems

In dentistry, cavities are important but they aren't the whole story; what happens to your gums is every bit as vital to your dental health. When you don't floss regularly to keep plaque from forming on your teeth and gums, the gums will slowly deteriorate. Dentists called periodontists specialize in the treatment of periodontal problems, and when the gums have broken down to the point where they can't hold the teeth in place a periodontist may need to provide dental implants, a costly and unpleasant process. But even a periodontist can't keep your gums healthy; that job is up to you.

Examples of periodontal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

To treat periodontal disease, a healthcare provider may prescribe chlorhexidine as an oral chip inserted between the gums and teeth.21 Chlorhexidine is also used in some medical devices, like intravenous (IV) lines. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 21 Nov. 2024

More From Newsweek Vault: Figo Pet Insurance Review: Competitive Coverage for Older Pets Veterinarian website Pet MD says that periodontal disease is the most prevalent disease in all dogs, but some breeds are at higher risk than others. —Matt Robison, Newsweek, 20 Nov. 2024

Similarly, Kenyon and his team’s new study is far from definitive evidence that mouthwash use—or, an unbalanced oral microbiome more broadly—is in some way driving cancer or periodontal disease cases. —Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 11 July 2024

This stat becomes even more compelling given that additional research shows that conditions such as periodontal disease can extend far beyond the mouth, contributing to major health challenges like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 3 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing periodontal

• periodontal membrane

Kids Definition

periodontal

adjective

peri·​odon·​tal ˌper-ē-ō-ˈdänt-ᵊl 

1

: surrounding or occurring about the teeth

2

: affecting tissues that surround or occur about the teeth

periodontal disease

Medical Definition

periodontal

adjective

peri·​odon·​tal ˌper-ē-ō-ˈdänt-ᵊl 

1

: investing or surrounding a tooth

2

: of or affecting the periodontium

periodontal infection

periodontally

-ᵊl-ē 

adverb