Used dental floss. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of dental plaque on strands of used dental floss. 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: x525 when printed at 10 centimetres wide | |
Lizenzart: | Lizenzpflichtig |
Credit: | Science Photo Library / Gschmeissner, Steve |
Bildgröße: | 2560 px × 1930 px |
Modell-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Eigentums-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Restrictions: | - |