What is indicated about the time it takes for materia alba to form?

The formation of materia alba is indicated to vary due to several factors, including individual oral hygiene habits, diet, and the natural bacterial composition of a person's mouth. This variability means that the time taken for materia alba to develop can differ significantly from one person to another. Factors such as saliva flow and the presence of plaque also influence how quickly materia alba appears. Therefore, understanding that its formation is not a consistent or fixed duration is crucial for dental professionals when assessing patients' oral health.