periodontales

Periodontales is not a standard term in modern dental nomenclature. In many sources, the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth are referred to collectively as the periodontium (or periodontal tissues). When used, periodontales may be treated as a plural form referring to this group of tissues, comprising the gingiva, periodontal ligament, cementum, and alveolar bone, along with the supporting vasculature and nerves.

The periodontales would include the gingiva (the gums), the cementum that covers tooth roots, the periodontal ligament that anchors teeth to the bone, and the alveolar bone forming the tooth sockets. The tissues are richly supplied with blood vessels and nerves and interface with the immune system to respond to plaque and injury.

These tissues function to support teeth during chewing, distribute mechanical loads, provide a seal against infection, and allow sensory feedback. The health of the periodontales depends on good oral hygiene, effective plaque control, and the absence of risk factors that promote inflammation.

Common conditions affecting the periodontales include gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and periodontitis (inflammation with loss of connective tissue and bone, potentially leading to tooth loss). Risk factors include plaque accumulation, smoking, diabetes, genetics, and certain medications.

Diagnosis relies on clinical probing to assess pocket depth and attachment loss, radiographs, and assessment of bleeding and recession. Management includes professional cleaning, scaling and root planing, surgical or regenerative procedures when needed, and ongoing periodontal maintenance to preserve tooth-supporting tissues.

The term periodontales appears primarily as a linguistic variant or historical usage; in contemporary dentistry the preferred terms are periodontium or periodontal tissues.