Anatomy
Occlusal surface
The occlusal surface is the chewing surface of a back tooth. It is the part that meets the teeth on the opposite jaw when you bite.
The occlusal surface is the top of a premolar or molar, where upper and lower teeth meet. It has cusps, pits and grooves.
These small pits and grooves are rough and uneven. Food and bacteria can get stuck in them. They stay there a long time because toothbrush bristles cannot easily reach into them. That is why many cavities start on the chewing surface.
A dental sealant is a thin coating that seals those grooves. It can help keep out food and bacteria. Our office describes this on its dental sealants page. Over time the occlusal surface can also wear down from grinding or acid. See tooth wear.