Dental biofilm is the primary causative agent of caries and gingivitis. It is a viscous layer of bacteria and food debris. If not removed, this film hardens and becomes white, creamy, yellowish or brown in colour and tends to accumulate on both natural and artificial teeth. Caries is tooth decay, which besides giving teeth an unpleasant appearance can also affect one’s ability to chew properly.

It is important to brush teeth after meals to eliminate dental biofilm. Bacteria in the biofilm use food debris to produce acids that cause caries and gingivitis. Dental caries is considered to be a multifactorial condition involving a combination of several different elements: teeth, saliva, diet, and dental biofilm; and factors: genetic, biological, social, behavioural and psychological factors.