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 
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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.
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Studies suggest that most domestic cats older than four end up developing some sort of gum affliction; several experts told me that the rates of periodontal disease in household felines can exceed 80 percent. 
Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 23 Aug. 2022 The athletes also tended to have deeper pockets between the teeth and gums, which is a warning sign of periodontal disease. Alex Hutchinson, Outside Online, 25 Mar. 2022 Her lost teeth, the officials said, were simply the result of periodontal disease. Washington Post, 9 Feb. 2022 In mouse studies, for instance, the drug has improved immune system and heart function and reversed periodontal disease and cognitive decline. Ron Winslow, WSJ, 11 Jan. 2022 The second group has had an increase in dental caries (cavities), periodontal (gum) disease, and tooth grinding. Rachel King, Fortune, 18 Dec. 2021 Nearly 50% of Americans have some type of periodontal disease, which includes gingivitis in its earlier stages, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Korin Miller, Health.com, 8 June 2021 High amounts of this in your system can cause weight gain, hypertension, periodontal issues, and changes in blood pressure, among other things. Lynn Saladino, Health.com, 22 Apr. 2021 Studies suggest a relationship between periodontal disease—the term for disease of the gums and bone structures supporting the teeth—and the inflammation that can precede heart attacks and strokes. Laura Landro, WSJ, 11 Apr. 2021 See More
Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 23 Aug. 2022 The athletes also tended to have deeper pockets between the teeth and gums, which is a warning sign of periodontal disease. Alex Hutchinson, Outside Online, 25 Mar. 2022 Her lost teeth, the officials said, were simply the result of periodontal disease. Washington Post, 9 Feb. 2022 In mouse studies, for instance, the drug has improved immune system and heart function and reversed periodontal disease and cognitive decline. Ron Winslow, WSJ, 11 Jan. 2022 The second group has had an increase in dental caries (cavities), periodontal (gum) disease, and tooth grinding. Rachel King, Fortune, 18 Dec. 2021 Nearly 50% of Americans have some type of periodontal disease, which includes gingivitis in its earlier stages, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Korin Miller, Health.com, 8 June 2021 High amounts of this in your system can cause weight gain, hypertension, periodontal issues, and changes in blood pressure, among other things. Lynn Saladino, Health.com, 22 Apr. 2021 Studies suggest a relationship between periodontal disease—the term for disease of the gums and bone structures supporting the teeth—and the inflammation that can precede heart attacks and strokes. Laura Landro, WSJ, 11 Apr. 2021 See More Word History
First Known Use
1854, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Phrases Containing periodontal
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