Mandibular Tori (Torus Mandibularis) - An overall guide



If you notice or feel a hard bump covered by normal gum tissue on the roof of your mouth (palate), it could be a dental torus, also known as torus mandibularis. These bony growths are typically harmless and don’t require removal unless they interfere with eating or speaking. Dental tori may be present from birth or develop later in life. This blog will explain where dental tori originate and how they can be treated.

What Are Mandibular Tori (Torus Mandibularis)?

Mandibular tori are harmless bony growths covered by normal gum tissue that appear on the roof of the mouth. Also called dental tori, these growths are typically painless and don’t need treatment unless they interfere with speaking or eating. When tori appear on the palate (roof of the mouth), healthcare professionals may refer to them as palatal tori or torus palatinus.

Dental tori can grow in various numbers and locations. According to the Journal of Dental Science, they commonly appear in three places:

  • Mandibular lingual tori: On the inner side of the lower jaw, typically near the premolars and molars.
  • Maxillary tori: These appear on the roof of the mouth.
  • Buccal exostoses: Also known as buccal tori, these grow on the cheek side of the upper or lower jaw, near the premolars and molars.

What Causes Mandibular Tori?

The exact cause of dental tori is still not well understood, but several factors may contribute to their development, including:

  • Genetics: A family history of mandibular tori increases the likelihood of their development.
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  • Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): People who grind or clench their teeth are more prone to developing mandibular tori.
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  • Diet: A diet rich in saltwater fish, which contains high levels of vitamin D and polyunsaturated fats, may contribute to bone growth and lead to tori.
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  • Trauma or Injury: Physical injury to the mouth or jaw could trigger the development of tori.
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  • Age: People over 30 are more likely to develop dental tori.
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  • Chewing Hard Foods: Regularly chewing hard substances can contribute to the growth of dental tori.

Symptoms of Mandibular Tori

Mandibular tori can vary in size and number, often growing symmetrically on both sides of the roof of the mouth. Some common symptoms include:

  • Difficulty speaking.
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  • Difficulty chewing or swallowing food.
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  • Problems with fitting dentures or mouthguards.
  • Food particles getting trapped between the bumps, potentially causing bad breath.
  • Irritation or ulceration of the gums due to overgrown tori.

Complications of Mandibular Tori

Although dental tori are typically harmless and non-cancerous, they can cause some complications, such as:

  • Difficulty speaking due to interference with the tongue.
  • Poor oral hygiene caused by difficulty brushing or flossing around the tori, leading to plaque buildup.
  • Food particles becoming trapped, resulting in bad breath.
  • Challenges swallowing food due to overgrowth.

Diagnosis of Mandibular Tori

Mandibular tori are often diagnosed through visual examination, X-rays, or photographs. In most cases, no special tests are necessary. A dentist may notice the tori during a routine visit. X-rays are sometimes used to determine the precise location of the tori and assess nearby teeth, while photos can document the size and location of the growths for future reference.

How Are Mandibular Tori Treated?

Treatment for mandibular tori is usually unnecessary unless they cause complications. If removal is required, the procedure involves oral surgery performed by a maxillofacial surgeon.

Mandibular Tori Removal Surgery

During the surgery, the surgeon will numb the area with local anesthesia, make a small incision in the gums, remove the tori and any excess bone, and then close the incision with stitches.

Recovery After Mandibular Tori Surgery

Recovery from surgery usually takes between one to four weeks. It is essential to follow the guidelines provided by your healthcare professional during this period, which may include:

  • Taking prescribed medications.
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  • Avoiding hard, spicy, and crunchy foods.
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  • Using an antibacterial mouthwash.
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  • Opting for soft foods during recovery.

Conclusion

Mandibular tori are a benign and painless condition that typically does not require treatment unless they cause complications. If you notice growths in your mouth, consult a dentist to monitor the development and determine if any intervention is necessary.

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