Used interdental brush. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a bristles from a used interdental brush. They are covered in dental plaque. Plaque consists of a film of bacteria embedded in a glycoprotein matrix. The matrix is formed from bacterial secretions and saliva. Plaque is the main cause of tooth decay. The bacteria feed on sugars in food,producing acid as a waste product. This acid corrodes the teeth's enamel coating,resulting in dental caries. A build-up of dental plaque can also lead to inflamed and infected gums. Severe gum disease can lead to teeth falling out. Magnification: x45 when printed at 10 centimetres wide | |
Lizenzart: | Lizenzpflichtig |
Credit: | Science Photo Library / Gschmeissner, Steve |
Bildgröße: | 2887 px × 2174 px |
Modell-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Eigentums-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Restrictions: | - |