Surfaces of the Tooth + Functions of the Teeth

Question 1

What is the Mesial Surface?

Answer 1

All surfaces of a tooth closest to midline

Question 2

What is the Distal Surface?

Answer 2

All surfaces of a toth furthest from midline

Question 3

What is an Occlusal Surface?

Answer 3

• All surfaces of a tooth facing up
• Also known as the biting surface

Question 4

What is the Facial Surface?

Answer 4

All surfaces of a tooth facing outwards

Can be seen when smiling

Question 5

What is the Lingual Surface?

Answer 5

All inner surfaces of the tooth facing the tongue

Cannot be seen easily when smiling

Question 6

What is the Palatal Surface?

Answer 6

All the inner surfaces of the upper/maxillary teeth facing the palate

Question 7

What is the Labial Surface?

Answer 7

All surfaces of the teeth facing the lips
* Only applicable to anterior teeth (incisors and canines)

Question 8

What s the Buccal Surface

Answer 8

All surfaces of the teeth that face the cheek
* Only aplicable to posterior teeth (premolars and molars)

Question 9

State the functions of the Teeth

Answer 9

• Mastication
• Aesthetic appearance for smiling
• Help with speech
• Help with pastimes