What is Materia Alba?
Materia Alba is a soft chalky white deposit on the tooth surface, specifically on the crown of the tooth. It’s primarily composed of bacteria, salivary proteins, epithelial cells, and food debris. It is not a well-organized structure like dental plaque. It looks like a curd or cheesy material on the teeth. Both Materia alba and dental plaque contribute to gingival irritation and initiation of periodontal lesions.
It can be viewed through the naked eye and is soft enough to easily be removed at home with a water spray and regular tooth brushing. Let’s see how the Materia Alba is different from the Plaque and Calculus.
Materia Alba vs Plaque vs Calculus
Here, we have explained all the differences with plaque and calculus in tabular format based on appearance, composition, structure, and removal method.
| Feature | Materia Alba | Plaque | Calculus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Soft, chalky white deposit resembling curd or cheese | Yellow-grayish color, tightly adhered to tooth surface | Hard substance formed from mineralized plaque |
| Composition | Bacteria, salivary proteins, epithelial cells, food debris | Salivary glycoproteins, lipids, polysaccharides, bacteria, nonbacterial microorganisms (yeast, viruses), minerals | Primarily minerals, covered by unmineralized dental plaque |
| Structure | Not complex or well-organized | Complex and well-organized | Highly complex and well-organized |
| Removal Method | Removable with water spray, regular tooth brushing, and flossing | Requires proper tooth brushing and flossing; not removable with water spray alone | Cannot be removed with water spray or regular brushing; requires professional cleaning (scaling and root planing) at a dental clinic |
Key Takeaways
- Materia alba is a white, soft, food debris, bacteria, and dead cell deposit that accumulates on gums and teeth.
- It can be removed easily by flossing, brushing, or rinsing, as opposed to plaque.
- If not treated, it can lead to plaque buildup, bad breath, and gum inflammation, and increase the chances of cavities and gum disease.
- Regular oral habits, such as brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash, can help prevent its development.
- Adequate hydration and proper nutrition will reduce debris buildup in teeth.
- Proper dental checkups are necessary because they ensure throughout cleaning and prevent long-term oral problems from emerging.
I hope this will help you understand what Materia alba is and its relationship with plaque, calculus, or tartar. You can share this information with your friends and family to make them aware.
