periodontal

adjective

peri·​odon·​tal ˌper-ē-ō-ˈdän-tᵊl How to pronounce periodontal (audio)
1
: investing or surrounding a tooth
2
: of or affecting periodontal tissues or regions
periodontal diseases
periodontally adverb

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Link Between Poor Oral Health and Diabetes An August 2024 study published in The American Journal of Medicine found that periodontal disease, an infection of the tissue that supports the teeth, was a strong risk factor for diabetes. Sara Novak, Discover Magazine, 14 Mar. 2025 Despite its importance, nearly 50% of the world suffers from oral diseases such as cavities, gingivitis, and periodontal disease, often leaving the connection between oral health and overall health overlooked. Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 3 July 2024 In the United States, about 4 in 10 adults have some form of periodontal (gum) disease, such as gingivitis and periodontitis. Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 30 Jan. 2025 In addition, its basic plan covers periodontal disease and hereditary conditions that affect senior dogs, like hip dysplasia and glaucoma. Liz Knueven, CNBC, 30 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for periodontal

Word History

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of periodontal was in 1854

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Cite this Entry

“Periodontal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/periodontal. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

periodontal

adjective
peri·​odon·​tal ˌper-ē-ō-ˈdänt-ᵊl How to pronounce periodontal (audio)
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 How to pronounce periodontal (audio)
1
: investing or surrounding a tooth
2
: of or affecting the periodontium
periodontal infection
periodontally adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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