prophylaxis / prevention
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preventive care
Measures for preventing diseases. The term is used especially often in dentistry for professional teeth cleaning and preventive checkups.
Eine regelmäßige Karies-Prophylaxe beim Zahnarzt ist sehr wichtig.
Regular cavity-prevention care at the dentist is very important.
prevention
In a general sense, preventive measures in any area to prevent unwanted events or conditions.
Die beste Prophylaxe gegen Datenverlust ist ein regelmäßiges Backup.
The best prevention against data loss is a regular backup.
The noun 'die Prophylaxe' (prophylaxis/prevention) belongs to the adjective 'prophylaktisch' (prophylactic/preventive). Both words describe the idea of prevention.
Prophylaktische Maßnahmen können helfen, gesund zu bleiben.
Preventive measures can help you stay healthy.
In everyday life, 'Prophylaxe' almost always means professional teeth cleaning at the dentist. This context is by far the most common.
Ich habe nächste Woche einen Termin zur Prophylaxe.
I have an appointment for preventive dental care next week.
In a dental context, typical expressions are 'zur Prophylaxe gehen' (to go for preventive dental care) or 'eine Prophylaxe machen lassen' (to have preventive dental care done).
Man sollte zweimal im Jahr zur Prophylaxe gehen.
You should go for preventive dental care twice a year.
When 'Prophylaxe' is used in the general sense of prevention, it is often followed by the preposition 'gegen' with the accusative to name the problem being prevented.
Gute Organisation ist die beste Prophylaxe gegen Stress im Büro.
Good organization is the best prevention against stress at the office.
prevention
Prävention and Prophylaxe refer to measures intended to prevent illnesses. Prophylaxe is especially common in the medical field, whereas Prävention can also include accidents, crime, and other risks. Use Prophylaxe for a medical preventive measure, and Prävention for a broader program.
Die Zahnärztin empfiehlt Prophylaxe, damit Karies möglichst verhindert wird.
The dentist recommends preventive care to help prevent tooth decay as much as possible.
Das Gesundheitsamt plant ein Programm zur Prävention von Infektionskrankheiten.
The public health department is planning a program to prevent infectious diseases.
