Waxed dental floss (flavoured), coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Shown here is a bundle of nylon fibres from a piece of waxed dental floss

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Waxed dental floss (flavoured), coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Shown here is a bundle of nylon fibres from a piece of waxed dental floss. The fine uneven surface on the individual nylon fibres is the wax coating on the nylon fibres. Dental floss is either a bundle of thin nylon filaments or a plastic (Teflon or polyethylene) ribbon used to remove food and dental plaque from teeth. The build up of dental plaque is the main cause of tooth decay. The floss is gently inserted between the teeth and scraped along the teeth sides, especially close to the gums. Dental floss may be waxed or unwaxed, and flavoured or unflavoured. Magnification: x12 when shortest axis printed at 25 millimetres.

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Size: 2726px × 3206px
Photo credit: © DENNIS KUNKEL MICROSCOPY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: 28779b, cleaning, colored, coloured, decay, dental, electron, enamel, false-colored, false-coloured, fibre, fibres, flavour, flavoured, flora, floss, food, hygiene, medical, micrograph, nylon, oral, particle, particles, plaque, removal, scanning, sem, tartar, teeth, tooth, waxed