materia alba
[ mə-tîr′ē-ə ăl′bə ]
n.
A white cheeselike accumulation of food debris, microorganisms, desquamated epithelial cells, and blood cells deposited around the teeth at the gumline.
Nearby words
mouthbrooder, mouthed, mouthfeel, mouthful, mouthing, materia alba, mouthpiece, mouthwash, mouthwatering, mouthy, mouton
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.