HealthAugust 15, 2026

periodontal

PER-ee-oh-DON-tuhl

Definition

Relating to the tissues and structures surrounding and supporting the teeth, including the gums and underlying bone.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek words 'peri-' meaning 'around' and 'odous' meaning 'tooth'. The term was adopted into medical English in the 19th century to describe the specialized field of gum and tooth-supporting tissue health.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe a widespread disease in pets that affects not just teeth, but the gums and supportive bone, serving as a gateway for systemic infections.

MJ Wixsom: Dental health is important for pet’s life

Read the full article ↗

irontontribune.com

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