dental plaque
Refers to the soft, sticky film that forms on teeth. Often used in everyday conversation; the more formal medical term is 歯垢 (しこう).
See also: 歯垢
If dental plaque builds up, you're more likely to get cavities.
I had the dental plaque removed at the dentist.
Standard kanji spelling for dental plaque.
Alternate kanji spelling; less common than 歯糞.
Mixed kana-kanji spelling; used for clarity or in informal contexts.
Compound of 歯 (tooth) and 糞 (excrement, waste), literally 'tooth waste'. The colloquial nature reflects the earthy metaphor.