Have you ever noticed unusual hard bumps on your lower gums or the roof of your mouth? These are most likely harmless bone growths known as dental tori. The term "tori" simply refers to small, non-cancerous mounds of bone covered by your regular gum tissue. While they may feel unfamiliar, they are generally benign and not a cause for concern.
There are three primary types of dental tori:
Mandibular tori: These growths appear on the inside of the lower jawbone, usually on the tongue side. They can manifest as a single bump (mandibular torus) or multiple growths on one or both sides. Approximately 6% of the U.S. population experiences mandibular tori.
Palatal tori: Also known as torus palatinus, this type of bony growth forms on the roof of your mouth, or palate. It's a more common condition, affecting about 20% of the U.S. population.
Buccal exostoses: These tori develop on the outer surface of either the upper or lower jaw ridge.
The most common "symptom" of dental tori is their appearance. Many individuals are unaware they have them until a dentist points them out during a routine examination. These growths are typically slow-growing and can vary in shape, appearing as single or multiple nodules that are regular, irregular, flat, spindle-shaped, or nodular. Mandibular tori are found on the tongue side of the lower gums, while palatal tori are centrally located on the roof of the mouth and may gradually enlarge over time. Despite their location, palatal tori rarely interfere with eating or speech. It's important to remember that dental tori are benign and do not indicate cancer, nor will they develop into cancer. However, any new or changing areas in your mouth should always be evaluated by a dentist for peace of mind.
The exact cause of dental tori is not fully understood, but several factors are believed to contribute to their development:
Trauma or injury: Previous injuries to the inside of the mouth can sometimes lead to tori formation.
Jawbone stress: Habits like teeth grinding (bruxism) and clenching can put stress on the jawbone, potentially contributing to tori.
Lifestyle and diet: Nutritional factors, such as vitamin deficiencies, consumption of fish, and diets rich in calcium, have been explored as potential influences.
Age and sex: Tori can occur at any age but are often more noticeable in adults, and there can be gender-specific prevalence for certain types.
Genetics: A predisposition to developing tori can be inherited.
In most cases, dental tori do not require treatment as they typically don't interfere with daily activities like eating, drinking, or speaking. However, treatment may be considered if the tori:
Become inflamed or irritated due to scraping during eating or dental procedures (like X-rays).
Impede routine oral hygiene or basic daily functions.
Obstruct the placement of dental appliances such as braces, crowns, or dentures.
Grow so large that they meet in the middle of the mouth.
Cause other oral health complications.
If a torus becomes scraped or irritated, maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for healing. Rinsing with a germ-killing fluoride mouthwash or brushing with a germ-killing fluoride toothpaste can help reduce bacteria in the area. If surgical removal is necessary, a maxillofacial surgeon will perform the outpatient procedure. Like any surgery, it carries inherent risks.
The best daily practice for individuals with dental tori is to avoid irritating them. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush is recommended for thorough cleaning of teeth, tongue, cheeks, and gums without causing irritation to the bony growths. Regardless of whether you have tori, consistent and effective oral hygiene is paramount for overall oral health.
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