tooth decay
die Karies
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tooth decay
A disease in which the hard substance of the teeth is destroyed by acids produced by bacteria in the mouth. Colloquially, it is often called a 'Loch im Zahn' (hole in the tooth).
Der Zahnarzt hat bei mir Karies im Backenzahn festgestellt.
The dentist found tooth decay in one of my molars.
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| genitive | der Karies |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Karies | – |
| accusative | die Karies | – |
| dative | der Karies | – |
| genitive | der Karies | – |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
The word 'Karies' (tooth decay) is a non-count noun and is used almost exclusively in the singular. People say 'viel Karies' (a lot of tooth decay) or 'wenig Karies' (little tooth decay), but not '*zwei Karies' (*two tooth decays).
Regelmäßiges Zähneputzen hilft, Karies vorzubeugen.
Regular tooth brushing helps prevent tooth decay.
'Karies' (tooth decay) is the medical technical term used by dentists and in health texts. In everyday conversation, however, the term is also very common.
Die Aufklärung über Karies beginnt schon im Kindergarten.
Education about tooth decay starts as early as kindergarten.
'Karies' (tooth decay) is often used with the verbs 'haben' (to have), 'bekommen' (to get), or 'vorbeugen' (to prevent). The combination 'eine Behandlung gegen Karies' (a treatment for tooth decay) is also very common.
Viele Kinder haben heutzutage zum Glück keine Karies mehr.
Fortunately, many children today no longer have tooth decay.
