The plaque (microbial biofilm) that forms between your teeth is a highly anaerobic (oxygen-free) environment, even though the mouth is one of the most aerobic habitats in the body and most of the bacteria living there can use oxygen if it is available. Why is there no oxygen in the plaque between your teeth?

Question

Biology

Malachi Berger

31 August, 17:09

The plaque (microbial biofilm) that forms between your teeth is a highly anaerobic (oxygen-free) environment, even though the mouth is one of the most aerobic habitats in the body and most of the bacteria living there can use oxygen if it is available. Why is there no oxygen in the plaque between your teeth?

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Answers (1)

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Graham · Answer 1

Answer: The bacteria uses the oxygen present in the mouth.

Explanation:

The plaque that is formed in the teeth is a highly anaerobic bacteria but it can sustain in the environment rich in oxygen. The oxygen is used by the bacteria and there is a absence of oxygen in the teeth.

It is formed in between the teeth which needs oxygen to survive and if remains for tooth for a longer period of time then it began to grow without oxygen.

It basically uses the oxygen available in the mouth and makes the condition anaerobic.