maladie des gencives
In French, gum disease is maladie des gencives.
The phrase refers to any disease or infection that affects the gums in the mouth.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase maladie des gencives literally means 'disease of the gums', composed of maladie (disease), des (of the) and gencives (gums).
Which one should you use?
While maladie des gencives is a general term, you might use more specific terms depending on the condition. Parodontite refers specifically to periodontitis, a type of advanced gum disease and inflammation des gencives can be used to describe the inflammation caused by the disease. For a general sense of gum issues, you can use the more casual problèmes de gencives.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are referring to the specific medical condition of inflammation of the gums, the term gingivite (gingivitis) is used.
Did you know?
- While maladie des gencives is the standard term, French dentists often use the term poche (pocket) to describe the physical manifestation of advanced gum disease during an exam.
- While a doctor might use parodontite, a French person complaining to a friend might simply say they have 'mal aux gencives', which translates to 'pain in the gums' rather than naming a specific disease.
- If you are looking for a specialist for gum disease in a French pharmacy or clinic, you would look for a 'parodontiste' rather than a general 'dentiste'.
Examples in context
- Il faut prévenir la maladie des gencives.You must prevent gum disease.
- Le dentiste m'a parlé de la maladie des gencives.The dentist told me about gum disease.
- Cette maladie des gencives peut être grave.This gum disease can be serious.
Example conversation
Emma is visiting the dentist with Gabriel.
- EmmaGabriel, as-tu peur d'avoir une maladie des gencives ?Gabriel, are you afraid of having gum disease?
- GabrielOui, c'est pour cela que je viens ici.Yes, that is why I am coming here.
- EmmaC'est prudent de vérifier ton hygiène buccale.It is prudent to check your oral hygiene.
- GabrielJe suis d'accord avec toi, Emma.I agree with you, Emma.
