Periodontal disease

n. (Dentistry) general term for diseases and bacterial infections of the gums and teeth that cause much damage and can result in loss of teeth

Periodontitis, formerly known as Pyorrhea alveolaris, is the name of a collection of inflammatory diseases affecting the tissues that surround and support the teeth. Periodontitis involves progressive loss of the bone around teeth which may lead to loosening and eventual loss of teeth if untreated. Periodontitis is caused by bacteria that adhere to and grow on tooth surfaces (microbial plaque or biofilms), particularly in areas under the gum line. Periodontitis is very common in most populations but the severe forms of the disease are less common. Dentists diagnose periodontitis by inspecting the tissues around the teeth with a probe and by radiographs to detect bone loss around the teeth. Although the different forms of periodontitis are bacterial diseases, a variety of factors affect the severity of the disease. Important "risk factors" include smoking, poorly controlled diabetes, and inherited (genetic) susceptibility.
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Periodontal diseases are a group of diseases that affect the tissues that support and anchor the teeth. [more]Periodontal disease - Community and Resources

Noun
1. a disease that attacks the gum and bone and around the teeth
(synonym) periodontitis
(hypernym) disease
(hyponym) pyorrhea, pyorrhoea, pyorrhea alveolaris, Riggs' disease

disease of the gums.