PERIODONTAL-DISEASE

PERIODONTAL disease is a general term used to describe specific diseases that affect the gingiva and the supporting connective tissue and alveolar bone, which anchor the teeth in the jaws. The periodontal diseases are among the most common chronic disorders that have plagued humans for centuries. The ancient writings of Egyptian and Chinese scholars describe in great detail afflictions of the periodontal structures and how to treat them.1 Early in this century periodontal disease became popularly known as pyorrhea, a term that denoted pus, periodontal pockets, loss of bone, and loss of teeth. Pyorrhea was thought to be inevitable, and.  . . © 1990, Massachusetts Medical Society. All rights reserved.