Have you ever noticed unusual hard bumps inside your mouth, perhaps on your lower gums or the roof of your mouth? While they might seem concerning, these are typically harmless bone growths known as dental tori. The term "tori" simply refers to small, benign hills of extra bone covered by normal gum tissue.
There are three main types of dental tori:
Mandibular Tori: These appear in the lower jawbone, specifically on the tongue-side of your lower gums. They can be single or multiple nodules and are found in about six percent of the U.S. population.
Palatal Tori (Torus Palatinus): This common bony growth develops on the roof of your mouth, or palate. Affecting approximately 20 percent of the U.S. population, palatal tori are typically located in the center of the palate and usually do not interfere with eating or speaking.
Buccal Exostoses: Less common, these tori emerge on the outer surface of the upper or lower jawbone ridge.
Detecting Dental Tori:
The primary "symptom" of dental tori is their visible appearance. Many individuals are unaware they have them until a routine dental examination. These growths are slow-growing and can vary in shape, appearing as single or multiple nodules that might be regular, irregular, flat, spindle-shaped, or nodular. Mandibular tori typically form on the backside of your lower gums, while palatal tori are centrally located on the roof of the mouth and may gradually enlarge over time. It's crucial to understand that dental tori are benign and do not indicate cancer, nor will they develop into cancer. However, any new or concerning changes in your mouth should always prompt a consultation with your dentist.
What Causes Dental Tori?
The development of oral tori is often attributed to a combination of factors, including:
Oral Trauma or Injury: Direct injuries to the inside of the mouth can contribute.
Jawbone Stress: Conditions like teeth grinding (bruxism) and clenching can place stress on the jawbone, potentially leading to tori formation.
Lifestyle and Diet: Nutritional factors, such as certain vitamin deficiencies, fish consumption, and calcium-rich diets, have been suggested as influences.
Age and Sex: The prevalence of tori can vary with age and between sexes.
Genetics: A hereditary predisposition is also a significant factor.
Treating Dental Tori:
In most cases, dental tori do not require treatment as they rarely interfere with daily activities like eating, drinking, or speaking. However, professional intervention may be considered if the tori:
Become inflamed or sore due to irritation, for instance, from scraping while eating or during dental procedures like X-rays.
Start to hinder routine oral hygiene practices or basic daily functions.
Obstruct the placement of dental appliances such as braces, crowns, or dentures.
Grow excessively large, to the point where they touch in the middle of the mouth.
Contribute to other oral health issues.
If a torus becomes irritated, maintaining excellent oral hygiene with a germ-killing fluoride toothpaste or rinse can help the area heal by reducing bacteria. Should surgical removal be necessary, a maxillofacial surgeon typically performs the outpatient procedure. As with any surgery, there are associated risks.
For daily care, it's best to avoid irritating any growths. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush is recommended to effectively clean your teeth, tongue, cheeks, and gums without causing discomfort. Regardless of whether you have tori, maintaining a clean and healthy mouth is paramount for preventing oral health problems. This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your dentist or healthcare provider for any oral health concerns.
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