Tori affects about 27 out of every 1,000 adults, reports the National Institutes of Health, though it's not as well-known as other oral health conditions. While not indicative of any dangerous disease or health condition, some people consider them unsightly or uncomfortable when eating certain foods.
Is it normal to have mandibular tori? Mandibular tori are somewhat uncommon, affecting about 27 out of every 1,000 adults in the United States. Mandibular tori are much less common than palatal tori. In addition, about 80% of people with mandibular tori have these growths on both sides of their mouth.
Torus mandibularis is thought to be caused mainly by environmental factors, such as bruxism, vitamin deficiencies and calcium-rich supplements, although genetic background also plays a key role. Clinical diagnosis is usually straightforward, and investigations are generally not required.
The prevalence of mandibular tori ranges from 5-40%. They are less common than bony growths occurring on the palate, known as torus palatinus. Mandibular tori are more common in Asian and Inuit populations. They are slightly more common in males.
Prevalence. Prevalence of palatal tori ranges from 9–60% and are more common than bony growths occurring on the mandible, known as torus mandibularis. Palatal tori are more common in Asian, Native American and Inuit populations, and are twice as common in females.
If the tori are found on your lower jaw, they are considered to be mandibular tori. Most tori grow to a certain point and stop growing. Most growth stops after our jaws have developed in our late teenage years. Tori, as mentioned, are benign in nature.
The size of the tori may fluctuate throughout life but they do tend to get bigger over time. In some cases the tori can be large enough to touch each other in the midline of mouth. Consequently, it is believed that mandibular tori are the result of local stresses and not solely on genetic influences.
Stress in the jaw bone and bruxism are other factors. This condition is more common in early adult life, and consequently, it is believed that mandibular tori are the result of local stresses and not solely on genetic influences. The genetic influence can best be seen in studies of twins.
The mean age was 22.4 ± 2.7 years.
Unfortunately, tori do not shrink over time. They will grow to a certain point, and then stop growing. A surgical team will need to remove them if your dentist deems it necessary.
Due to laser technology, tori dental removal can be virtually pain-free.
Tori typically develop during late adolescence and gradually increase in size throughout adulthood. When small, they rarely cause symptoms or pain and are usually an incidental finding during routine clinical or dental examinations.
Believe it or not, clenching and grinding can actually change the shape of your bone. Though not particularly common, some people with bruxism develop bony growths on the inside of their lower jaw, under the tongue. These growths are called mandibular tori, and they are harmless and benign.
Because mandibular tori are bone growths, you cannot get rid of them without surgical treatment from your dentist.
Consumption of excessive fish has been related to the presence of tori; it was hypothesized that this may be connected to the nutrients present in salt water fish, probably omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin D (7, 9).
Mandibular tori are very slow-growing, so much so that it can be challenging to identify what causes tori to grow. There is some evidence that bruxism can speed up the growth of tori. Diet may play a role in the growth cycle. Some tori also grow for a period of time, shrink, and then begin to grow again.
Mandibular tori usually grow back. It is best to address the underlying causes and treat them. Doing so may help prevent the need for further tori removal.
The prevalence of mandibular tori in the population can range from 5%-40% and is less common than tori on the palate. Tori has been shown to be more common in Asian, Native American, and Inuit populations.
In most cases tori are benign and do not require treatment. However, tori will need to be surgically removed to accommodate upper or lower dentures and upper or lower partial dentures (flippers). Tori may also be removed to aid in minimizing food impaction under the excess bone, which will promote improved home care.
Especially large tori can get in the way of proper eating. Chips, crusty bread, and other crunchy foods present real difficulty. Food particles may become lodged in the tori, causing discomfort or bad breath.
Tori, or mandibular tori to give it its full name, are small growths of bone that tend to grow on the tongue side of our gums where teeth grinding is present. They are harmless but do indicate that the patient may be grinding their teeth.
Similar to enlarged tonsils or adenoids, a large tongue, or an enlarged uvula, large mandibular tori can contribute to breathing obstructions, making one more susceptible to snoring and sleep apnea.
Tori are simply an abnormality; a random bone growth. They do not pose any immediate threat or harm once they have been identified in the mouth, though they do continue to grow over time, and have the potential to cause pain or discomfort if they become too large.
Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is a condition in which one or more parts of the jawbones become dead (necrotic) and exposed in the mouth. These fragments of bone poke through the gums and may easily be mistaken for broken teeth. Both the upper (maxilla) and lower (mandible) jaw can be affected.
Original Medicare does not pay for services relating to the care, treatment, and removal of teeth. These services include routine cleaning, checkups, fillings, tooth extractions, and dentures.