Which term denotes the tooth surface next to the tongue?

Which term denotes the tooth surface next to the tongue?

• A. Lingual
• B. Labial
• C. Buccal
• D. Incisal

Answer: (A)

The surface toward the tongue is called the lingual surface. This term applies to all teeth, regardless of upper or lower, because it describes the orientation relative to the tongue. It’s the side of the tooth that the tongue sits against when you bite or speak. In contrast, labial describes the surface toward the lips (primarily on the front teeth), buccal describes the surface toward the cheek (mostly on the back teeth), and incisal refers to the biting edge of the anterior teeth. So the best answer is the lingual surface, the side facing the tongue.

The surface toward the tongue is called the lingual surface. This term applies to all teeth, regardless of upper or lower, because it describes the orientation relative to the tongue. It’s the side of the tooth that the tongue sits against when you bite or speak. In contrast, labial describes the surface toward the lips (primarily on the front teeth), buccal describes the surface toward the cheek (mostly on the back teeth), and incisal refers to the biting edge of the anterior teeth. So the best answer is the lingual surface, the side facing the tongue.