materia /ma·te·ria/ (mah-tēr´e-ah) [L.] matter.
materia alba
materia alba
materia al´ba whitish deposits on the teeth, composed of mucus and epithelial cells containing bacteria and filamentous organisms.
materia me´dica pharmacology.
ma·te·ri·a al·ba (m -tîr  -  lb)n. A white cheeselike accumulation of food debris, microorganisms, desquamated epithelial cells, and blood cells deposited around the teeth at the gumline. |
materia alba
[mətir′ē·ə· al′bə]
Etymology: L, white matter
a whitish or cream-colored cheesy mass deposited around the necks of the teeth, composed of food debris, mucin, and dead epithelial cells. It is usually associated with poor oral hygiene.
materia alba
(m
tir´ē al´b),
n a soft white deposit around the necks of the teeth, usually associated with poor oral hygiene; composed of food debris, dead tissue elements, and purulent matter; serves as a medium for bacterial growth.
tir´ē al´b), n a soft white deposit around the necks of the teeth, usually associated with poor oral hygiene; composed of food debris, dead tissue elements, and purulent matter; serves as a medium for bacterial growth.
materia
pl. materiae [L.] material; substance.
materia alba
material that accumulates on teeth; it is a conglomeration of salivary protein, desquamated epithelial cells, degenerating leukocytes and bacteria. See also plaque.
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