HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

Which surface of the tooth is considered the lingual surface?

1. The surface facing the cheeks

2. The surface facing the tongue

3. The chewing surface of the tooth

4. The surface towards the gums

The correct answer is: The surface facing the tongue

The lingual surface of a tooth is defined as the surface that faces the tongue. This terminology comes from the Latin word "lingua," meaning tongue. Understanding dental terminology is crucial for effective communication in dental settings, as it helps differentiate between various surfaces and regions of the teeth. In the context of tooth surfaces, the lingual surface is opposite to the buccal surface, which refers to the side facing the cheeks. The chewing surface is referred to as the occlusal surface, and the surface towards the gums would be known as the gingival or cervical surface. Knowing the proper names for each tooth surface is essential for clearly describing specific locations for treatment, diagnosis, and communication within the dental field.