---
title: "What Is Occlusal surface? Dental Glossary | Town Center Dental"
description: "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."
url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/occlusal-surface
publisher: Town Center Dental
phone: +1-636-273-5866
quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment
---

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](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/cusp), 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](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/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](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-sealants). Over time the occlusal surface can also wear down from grinding or acid. See [tooth wear](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/tooth-wear).

[Town Center Dental can helpDental Sealants](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-sealants)

## Related terms

-   [Cusp](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/cusp)
-   [Dental sealant](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-sealant)
-   [Molar](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/molar)
-   [Premolar (bicuspid)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/premolar-bicuspid)
-   [Tooth wear](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/tooth-wear)

## Sources

1.  [NIDCR: The Tooth Decay Process](https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/tooth-decay/more-info/tooth-decay-process)

## Ready when you are

[Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)