Biofilm formation on teeth

[Golfjones]

That thin rough covering on teeth that I can feel with my tongue if they haven't been brushed for a while ("wool socks")--is that a bacterial biofilm and is that what contributes to tooth decay? If so, it seems that the presence of that should be a strong indicator of the need for a brushing.

 

[decan]

That thin rough covering on teeth that I can feel with my tongue if they haven't been brushed for a while ("wool socks")--is that a bacterial biofilm and is that what contributes to tooth decay? If so, it seems that the presence of that should be a strong indicator of the need for a brushing.

A biofilm forms almost instantly after brushing, and continues to build throughout the day unless brushed off. If it stays for too long and mineralizes it becomes calculus (tartar). The bacteria in the biofilm digest materials in one's diet and secrete acids which lead to tooth decay. However, there are many factors that are responsible for dental decay (diet, frequency of snacking and the consumption of fermentable carbohydrates, sipping of sweetened beverages, and so on) and the biofilm is just one of them.