Periodontosis is an obsolete term that was used to describe what was once thought to be certain type of unique and distinguishable chronic periodontal disease that manifested as degenerative bony changes without concomitant inflammation. Although utilized for more than 50 years, the term has since been dropped in favor of a more contemporary disease classification for

periodontal disease Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a set of inflammatory conditions affecting the tissues surrounding the teeth. In its early stage, called gingivitis, the gums become swollen and red and may bleed. It is considered the main caus ...

. Described by Gottlieb as a "diffuse atrophy of the alveolar bone," the term ''periodontosis'' was later applied and it gained acceptance as a disease entity,Periodontal disease in children. In Goldman HM, Cohen DW, editors: ''Periodontal Therapy'', 5th Edition. St. Louis: Mosby, Inc. 1973. page 259-274 being defined as: :"''a degenerative, noninflammatory destruction of the periodontium, originating in one or more of the periodontal structures and characterized by migrating and loosening of the teeth in the presence or absence of secondary epithelial proliferation and pocket formation or secondary gingival disease.''" Noted as a rare disease, periodontosis was said to have been seen primarily in young patients. And despite being defined as being a "noninflammatory destruction of the periodontium," almost all cases did exhibit varying degrees of gingival inflammation.

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Obsolete medical terms {{med-hist-stub