Abstract. Torus palatinus (TP) represents a benign anatomic variation. It has been suggested that genetic factors play a leading role in its occurrence.
There can be several factors associated with mandibular tori. Starting with genetics, this condition is more common in men than in women and can be passed down from father to son. Stress in the jaw bone and bruxism are other factors.
They are usually harmless but can be inconvenient. A torus palatinus is not cancerous or harmful. However, because serious medical conditions can cause similar growths, it is important to have a doctor check any changes in the mouth.
Tori are benign bony outgrowths from the mandible and hard palate that are relatively common, with a prevalence of roughly 27 of 1000 adults (1, 2). Torus palatinus, or oral exostosis, generally occurs along the midline, while torus mandibularis appears on the lingual surface and is often bilateral.
Palatal tori are the most common oral exostoses, more common than mandibular tori. The average prevalence of palatal tori seems to be 20–40% with significant topographical disparities. Most authors have observed a predominance of palatal tori in women as well as a larger average size [1–4].
Torus mandibularis is a bony sublingual protuberance, typically near the canine and premolar teeth. The etiology of tori is unclear. Possible causes include masticatory hyperfunction, continued bone growth, genetic factors and environmental factors such as diet.
Tori may develop due to genetic or environmental influences such as local irritation, grinding your teeth (bruxism), or misaligned teeth causing an uneven bite (malocclusion). In most cases tori are benign and do not require treatment.
Researchers aren't exactly sure what causes torus palatinus, but they strongly suspect it may have a genetic component such that a person with torus palatinus might pass the condition on to their children. Other possible causes include: Diet.
Dental tori factors include: Trauma or injury to the mouth's interior. Jawbone stress due to teeth grinding and clenching. Lifestyle/diet influences, such as vitamin deficiencies, fish consumption, and calcium-rich diets.
Tori are frequently misunderstood and associated with cancerous growths, but that is not true. They are, in fact, benign growths or, in other words, merely a bony exostosis found in the jaw (upper or lower).
TP forms along the midline of the hard palate, whereas TMs form along the lingual aspect of the mandible and is usually bilateral. Tori typically develop during late adolescence and gradually increase in size throughout adulthood.
When the torus is large, it is subject to irritation and ulceration from repeated trauma. Once injured, these growths can be slow to heal because of the limited number of blood vessels on their thin tissue surface. They can also become infected and very painful, making it difficult to eat and drink.
Lumps and bumps aren't uncommon in your mouth. You may have experienced them before on your tongue, lips, or the back of your throat. Many things can cause a bump on the roof your mouth, including a canker sore or a cyst. Most causes are harmless.
Because mandibular tori are bone growths, you cannot get rid of them without surgical treatment from your dentist.
The prevalence of mandibular tori ranges from 5-40%. It is less common than bony growths occurring on the palate, known as torus palatinus. Mandibular tori are more common in Asian and Inuit populations, and slightly more common in males. In the United States, the prevalence is 7-10% of the population.
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.
Tori is not relatively common: currently, it is estimated that anywhere from 5-40% of the population have distinguishable tori present in the mouth.
Torus palatinus is the most prevalent oral torus, occurring in 20 percent of the US population. It arises from the median raphe of the palatine bone and can vary in shape and size.
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.
Hard palate cancer is a type of head and neck cancer that begins when cells that make up the bony part of the roof of the mouth grow out of control and form lesions or tumors. The hard palate creates a barrier between the mouth and the nasal cavity.
Torus Palatinus
A solid hard bump on the roof of your mouth may be “palatal tor.” These are tiny bony lumps that spread from the midline to the high line of your palate. Usually, they are painless, but their location causes irritation during talking, eating, or drinking. Tori may grow larger each year.
The most common conditions that may cause an inflamed palate are mouth ulcers such as aphthae or those caused by cold sores. Also, an injury or trauma caused by any hard or very hot foods can cause an inflamed palate.
If the growth interferes with your daily life, your dentist might recommend surgery to remove the torus. Your dentist will refer you to an oral surgeon, who will schedule an appointment to examine the lump and discuss treatment options.
Torus palatinus were found in 69.7% of women from all ethnic groups (P = 0.107). Slightly higher percentage was seen in the Hispanics, then the African Americans, with the least in the Caucasians.
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.