Which dental condition is infection of the supporting structures around a tooth, potentially leading to bone loss?

• A. Pulpitis
• B. Periodontitis
• C. Pache's disease
• D. Caries

Answer: (B)

Infection of the tissues that support a tooth refers to periodontitis. The periodontium includes the gums (gingiva), the periodontal ligament, cementum on the tooth root, and the surrounding alveolar bone. In periodontitis, bacterial plaque triggers inflammation that destroys connective tissue and can resorb bone, leading to periodontal pockets, gum recession, tooth mobility, and potential tooth loss. This distinguishes it from pulpitis, which is infection of the dental pulp inside the tooth; from caries, which is decay of tooth structure; and from other conditions that don’t primarily involve the supporting structures of the tooth.