Clinical Application of Materia Alba

Questions and Answers

What is materia alba?

A type of bacteria

A white, bulky material that is loosely connected (correct)

A dental restoration material

None of the above

What is the composition of materia alba?

Mushy accumulation of bacteria, desquamated epithelial cells, leukocytes, salivary proteins, and food particles.

Food impaction is the forceful wedging of food into the ______ by occlusal and/or lateral forces.

periodontium

Which of the following are signs and symptoms of food impactions? (Select all that apply)

Pressure Signup and view all the answers

What are the contributing factors to food retention?

Type of saliva, diet, contour in crown/gingiva, tooth position, self-care habits, lack of self-cleansing of lips, cheeks, and tongue. Signup and view all the answers

Food retention is the same as food impaction.

False Signup and view all the answers

Match the following causes of food impaction with their descriptions:

Open contacts or embrasures = Can lead to food wedging between teeth Poor dentistry = May result in inadequate contacts Occlusal anatomy = Influences how food is forced into teeth Malocclusion = Can cause improper bite alignment Signup and view all the answers

What effects can food impaction and retention have?

Periodontal disease and dental caries. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Materia Alba

White, bulky, curd-like substance that accumulates heavily and is visible without staining.
Composed of a mushy mix of bacteria, desquamated epithelial cells, leukocytes, salivary proteins, and food particles.
Does not develop through bacterial growth but rather accumulates without any definite pattern or structure.

Attachment and Incidences

Forms loosely over plaque on teeth, restorations, calculus, and gingiva.
More common in unclean areas, particularly among children and adults with poor hygiene practices.

Contributing Factors

Malalignment of teeth, consumption of a soft diet, and inadequate oral hygiene contribute to the presence of materia alba.

Removal of Materia Alba

Can be removed through rinsing, brushing, flossing, or professional cleaning—unlike plaque which requires more effort.

Comparisons with Plaque

Similarities: Distribution on teeth and potential pathologic effects.
Differences: Appearance, occurrence frequency, ease of removal, and structural composition.

Food Impaction

Refers to the forceful wedging of food into the periodontium due to occlusal and lateral pressures, affecting interproximal and facial/lingual areas.

Etiology of Food Impaction

Caused by open contacts, embrasures, occlusal anatomy issues, poor dental work, malocclusion, and overhanging restoration margins.

Signs and Symptoms of Food Impactions

Often manifests as pressure, vague pain, a foul taste, gingival inflammation, recession, and potential bone loss leading to root caries.

Food Retention

Involves food staying on teeth and oral mucosa that isn't cleansed by the natural self-cleaning mechanism of the oral cavity.

Etiology of Food Retention

Influenced by thick saliva, dietary habits, the contour of crowns and gingiva, tooth positioning, and inadequate self-cleansing from lips, cheeks, and tongue.

Factors Affecting Clearance

Includes salivary flow, viscosity of saliva, mechanical movements of the tongue, cheeks, and lips, and the alignment of dental structures.

Effects of Food Impaction and Retention

Contributes to periodontal disease and the development of dental caries.

Removal of Food Impaction and Retention

Mechanical methods are required for impacted food, while retained food can often be removed through rinsing or mechanical means.

Description

Test your knowledge on materia alba, its composition, and implications in clinical settings. This quiz covers key definitions and characteristics to help reinforce your understanding of oral health concepts.