Tooth bacteria. Scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of bacteria from the surface of a human tooth. The mixture of bacteria, saliva and carbohydrates is known as plaque. It is a cause of tooth decay (caries) and can lead to the formation of tartar (calculus). Deposition of tartar in the spaces between the tooth and gum (the gingival crevices) causes gum disease (periodontal disease), which is characterised in its early stages by swollen, inflamed gums which bleed easily. Untreated, the plaque may spread under the tooth, which might loosen and fall out. Magnification: x3, 500 when printed at 10 centimetres wide. | |
Licence : | Droits gérés |
Crédit: | Science Photo Library / Gschmeissner, Steve |
Taille de l’image : | 4818 px × 3627 px |
Model Release : | Non requis |
Property Release : | Non requis |
Restrictions : | - |