periodontitis

noun

peri·​odon·​ti·​tis ˌper-ē-(ˌ)ō-ˌdän-ˈtī-təs How to pronounce periodontitis (audio)
: inflammation of the supporting structures of the teeth and especially the periodontal membrane

Examples of periodontitis 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.
For periodontitis, your dentist may give you an antibacterial mouth rinse. — Erin Meanley, Parents, 5 Mar. 2026 The presenters discussed how periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease that worsens with age, affects the bone and tissues supporting the teeth. — Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 21 Feb. 2026 Apical periodontitis, the condition treated in this study, is local inflammation around the root of the tooth that can be caused by a deep cavity or tooth infection. — Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 18 Nov. 2025 This may accelerate gum disease and contribute to gingivitis and periodontitis. — Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for periodontitis

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of periodontitis was in 1870

Rhymes for periodontitis

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Browse Nearby Words

periodontics
periodontitis
periodontology
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Cite this Entry

“Periodontitis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/periodontitis. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

periodontitis

noun
peri·​odon·​ti·​tis ˌper-ē-(ˌ)ō-ˌdän-ˈtīt-əs How to pronounce periodontitis (audio)
: inflammation of the periodontium and especially chronic inflammation that typically follows untreated gingivitis and that results in progressive destruction of the periodontal ligament, formation of pockets around the teeth, and resorption of alveolar bone chiefly in a horizontal direction with loosening or loss of teeth

called also pericementitis

More from Merriam-Webster on periodontitis

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about periodontitis

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