Which term describes the chewing or masticating surface of posterior teeth?

Which term describes the chewing or masticating surface of posterior teeth?

• A. Incisal
• B. Buccal
• C. Occlusal
• D. Sulcus

Answer: (C)

The term you’re looking for is occlusal. The chewing surface on posterior teeth—the molars and premolars—is the occlusal surface, the area that comes into contact with the opposing teeth when you bite and grind food. This surface is shaped by cusps and grooves to aid grinding. Incisal refers to the biting edge of the front teeth, buccal describes the surface toward the cheek, and sulcus is the gingival crevice around a tooth. So occlusal best describes the chewing surface of posterior teeth.

The term you’re looking for is occlusal. The chewing surface on posterior teeth—the molars and premolars—is the occlusal surface, the area that comes into contact with the opposing teeth when you bite and grind food. This surface is shaped by cusps and grooves to aid grinding. Incisal refers to the biting edge of the front teeth, buccal describes the surface toward the cheek, and sulcus is the gingival crevice around a tooth. So occlusal best describes the chewing surface of posterior teeth.