What Is Mesial Tooth Decay?
When a cavity occurs on the mesial part of your tooth, it's called mesial tooth decay. Because the mesial surface of one tooth often touches the adjacent tooth's distal surface, you can find these areas more difficult to clean. This in-between area, also known as an interproximal surface, needs extra attention. Besides brushing twice a day for two minutes, you should also clean between your teeth daily using floss, a water flosser, or another interdental cleaning device.
If decay is not addressed, it can eventually lead to bone loss. Sometimes the bone loss is also identified using directional terms. If your dental professional finds mesial bone loss in your mouth, then you have lost bone on the side of your tooth that faces the front and center point of your mouth.
Your teeth depend on proper care to stay healthy and strong. If your dental professional uses a term or phrase that you do not understand, politely ask them to clarify. Most dental professionals want to partner with you to maintain your oral health — and that starts with a mutual understanding of your tooth anatomy and the problems it might face.