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 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 According to the study, the presence at the site of plant processing tools such as grinding stones, as well as a higher incidence of dental cavities and periodontal diseases, supports the predominance of plant foods in the Iberomaurusians' diet. Erin Clack, Peoplemag, 19 May 2024 This can help treat gingivitis and periodontal disease. Essence, 8 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for periodontal 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'periodontal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of periodontal was in 1854

Dictionary Entries Near periodontal

Cite this Entry

“Periodontal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/periodontal. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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
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