Did you know there's an oral disease that affects between 5 and 7 percent of the U.S. adult population? This condition is called Mandibular Tori, which causes pain and discomfort, and some of its symptoms are almost unnoticeable.
The existence of torus mandibularis is not all too common — it's estimated that 12 to 25% of the adult population has these bony overgrowths in the lower jaw. People who have this tori mandibularis usually have two, but they can exist on their own.
Tori are considered normal and harmless. Phew! Tori may, however, get in the way of dentures or orthodontics in some cases. Or they may grow to a point and touch in the middle of the mouth.
Between 20% and 30% of the general population has palatal tori. The condition is more common in women and people assigned female at birth.
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%. 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.
Torus palatinus, the most common hyperostosis, occurs in about 20% of the population, although various studies have shown marked differences in racial groups.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Is mandibular tori caused by stress? The causes of mandibular tori are not fully understood, although environmental factors and diet are generally thought to be factors in developing these growths. Jaw stress is also related to tori growth, and emotional stress can be a contributor to jaw stress.
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.
After your tori removal, it's important to follow all recovery procedures given by your dentist. In general, though, follow these guidelines for a quick and comfortable recovery. Laser tori removal sees an average full recovery time of about two weeks. Traditional surgical removal recovery may take a month or more.
There are many reasons behind tori development. Genetics, tooth grinding and bite issues can result in local stress, which can lead to the development of these bony growths. In most cases, tori have a silent, unnoticed growth.
Due to laser technology, tori dental removal can be virtually pain-free.
Mandibular tori aren't dangerous, but they can be uncomfortable and even painful in some instances. If these bony growths interfere with your oral function or quality of life, talk to your dentist.
It has been suggested that genetic factors play a leading role in its occurrence.
Tori usually become apparent during the second or third decade of life. Tori may develop at the midline of palate (torus palatinus [TP]) or the lingual aspect of the mandible (torus mandibularis [TM]).
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.
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.