periodontal

/piriɑˈdɑntəl/

/piriɒˈdɒntəl/

The adjective periodontal describes anything having to do with the parts of a human mouth that support and surround the teeth. To maintain your periodontal health, don't forget to gently brush your gums!

Periodontal literally means "around the tooth," from Greek roots peri-, "around," and odon, "tooth." Mostly, this word refers to gums; periodontal disease is often simply called "gum disease." But the periodontal region of your mouth also includes the bone that holds your tooth sockets and the tiny ligaments that keep your teeth in those sockets. A periodontal specialist is a dentist who pays closer attention to your gums than your teeth.

Definitions of periodontal

1. adjective

   of or relating to or involving or practicing periodontics
   “periodontal disease”

   synonyms: periodontic