HomeGeneral DentistryWhat is Materia alba? Plaque vs Materia Alba

What is Materia alba? Plaque vs Materia Alba

What is Materia alba?

Materia alba is a soft chalky white deposit on the tooth surface primarily composed of bacteria, salivary proteins, epithelial cells, and food debris. It is not a well-organized structure like dental plaque.

Materia alba can be viewed through the naked eye and is soft enough to easily remove at home with water spray and regular tooth brushing.

What is the difference between Plaque and Materia alba?

Plaque is a more complex and well-organized structure that tightly adheres to the tooth surface and it can be only cleaned with proper flossing and toothbrushing, (flossing first before brushing teeth is recommended) while Materia alba is just soft deposits primarily composed of bacteria, salivary proteins, epithelial cells, and food debris.

References
  1. American academy of Periodontology "Materia alba" : American academy of Periodontology : Materia alba
  2. Grace C. Kimball PH.D, The Relationship of Materia Alba and Dental Plaque to Periodontal Disease (01 July 1952) : https://doi.org/10.1902/jop.1952.23.3.164
Dr. Shubham G. Devaiya, BDS
Dr. Shubham G. Devaiya, BDS
Dr. Shubham G. Devaiya is a registered Dentist and Medical content writer. He owns DentalFord and publishes content related to Oral Health for Oral Health Awareness.

PEOPLE ALSO READ

PEOPLE ALSO READ

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Popular Categories

Disclaimer : All the information on the page is for educational purposes only to make you aware, you can’t take it as a substitute for medical advice. If you are facing any health issues it is advised to take direct Medical help from medical professionals immediately.