The different areas of a tooth that come into contact with food, neighboring teeth, and oral structures are referred to as tooth surfaces. A tooth’s surfaces are multiple:
Chewing Surface (Occlusal Surface):
This is the tooth’s upper surface, which is mostly utilized for crushing and chewing food. It usually has pits (fossa) and grooves (sulcus) that aid in the mastication process. It is rough and uneven. However, food particles and bacteria can gather in these crevices, making this surface more susceptible to deterioration. Sometimes dental sealants are used to fill up these crevices and guard against tooth decay.
Buccal Surface:
The exterior aspect of the tooth facing the cheeks is called the buccal surface (in the upper and lower arches). It is more exposed and often smoother than other surfaces, which makes it more susceptible to plaque development if improperly cleaned. Wear on this surface may also result from things like eating specific foods or grinding your teeth (bruxism).
Lingual Surface:
This surface is the inside of the tooth; in lower teeth, it faces the tongue; in upper teeth, it faces the palatal surface, which is the roof of the mouth. Although the palate’s lingual surface is normally smooth, it occasionally has rugae, or ridges or lumps. This surface has to be carefully cleaned since it comes into close contact with saliva and the tongue, both of which can harbor bacteria.
Mesial Surface:
The tooth’s side that faces the mouth’s midline.
Distal Surface:
The tooth’s side faces the rear of the mouth and is away from the midline.
Interproximal Surfaces:
These are the surfaces on which teeth next to one another come into contact. They are also called contact points and comprise the distal and mesial surfaces.
Each surface requires attention during oral hygiene routines like brushing and flossing to prevent decay, plaque buildup, and other dental issues. Regular dental check-ups can help ensure that these surfaces are clean and healthy.