Tannflater

Tannflater is the term used in dentistry to refer to the surfaces of a tooth. These surfaces are the externally exposed areas that clinicians describe when assessing a tooth’s health and anatomy. The main surfaces are facial (also called buccal or labial) facing the lips or cheeks, lingual (or palatal on the upper jaw) facing the tongue, mesial toward the midline, distal away from the midline, and the occlusal surfaces on the chewing parts of the back teeth or the incisal edges on the front teeth. In addition to these, proximal surfaces refer to the portions of a tooth that contact adjacent teeth, typically the mesial and distal aspects.

The surfaces have different anatomical characteristics and are associated with different patterns of wear, plaque accumulation, and caries risk. Occlusal and incisal surfaces often have pits and fissures that can harbor bacteria if not properly cleaned, whereas proximal surfaces are prone to plaque buildup between teeth and may be harder to keep clean without flossing or interdental cleaning devices. The facial and lingual surfaces vary in texture and contour, influencing how easily they can be brushed and rinsed.

In dental practice, the term tannflater is used in patient education, clinical examination, radiographic interpretation, and treatment planning. Assessing the health of each surface helps identify caries, wear, erosion, restorations, or defects, and informs decisions about cleaning methods, preventive measures, and restorative margins.