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Used toothbrush bristles, SEM
^BUsed toothbrush bristles.^b Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of dental plaque on the bristles of a used toothbrush. 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: x750 when printed at 10 centimetres wide.
Details
ID
50361537
Collection
License type
Editorial
Photographer
Creation date
24-03-2017
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