Tori (singular: torus) appear as benign, bony growths that develop on the bones within the mouth. While they can vary significantly in size and shape, they typically present as firm, hard lumps covered by the normal pink or flesh-colored oral tissue.
Understanding Tori: Benign Bony Growths
Tori are essentially slow-growing, non-cancerous bone formations that emerge from the jawbone. They are not teeth or gum tissue but rather extra bone. Because they are part of the underlying bone structure, they are immovable and feel very solid to the touch, unlike softer tissue growths. Most individuals with these growths experience no discomfort or symptoms, often discovering them during a routine dental examination.
Key Characteristics of Tori's Appearance
Understanding the visual and tactile characteristics of tori helps in identifying them.
- Color: Typically, tori match the color of the surrounding oral mucosa, appearing pink or flesh-colored. This is because they are covered by normal gum tissue.
- Texture: The surface is usually smooth but can sometimes be slightly irregular or lobulated, especially if they are larger or multiple growths have fused.
- Hardness: They are extremely hard and firm to the touch, consistent with bone.
- Shape: Shapes can vary from broad, rounded swellings to more distinct, nodular, or even lumpy formations.
- Size: They can range from very small, barely noticeable bumps to larger masses that might become prominent enough to affect speech, eating, or denture fitting.
Common Locations and Variations
Tori most frequently appear in two primary locations within the mouth:
Mandibular Tori
These bony growths develop on the inner side of the lower jawbone, usually near the tongue, above the area where teeth roots are located. They often appear symmetrically on both sides of the mouth, though asymmetrical presentation is also possible. Mandibular tori can be single or multiple small lumps.
Palatal Torus
A palatal torus is a bony growth found on the roof of the mouth (palate), typically along the midline. This type of torus can range from a small, subtle bump to a large, prominent ridge or lobulated mass that extends across the palate.
Size and Growth
One of the defining features of tori is their slow-growing nature. They usually develop gradually over many years. Their size is highly variable, influenced by factors such as genetics, chewing forces, and age. While many remain small and unobtrusive, others can grow considerably. The fact that they are often asymptomatic means that their presence might go unnoticed until highlighted by a dentist or when they reach a size where they become palpable or visible.
When Are Tori Noticeable?
Most tori are discovered incidentally during a dental check-up because they don't cause pain or problems. However, they can become noticeable if:
- They grow large enough to be felt by the tongue.
- They interfere with chewing or speaking.
- They become irritated by certain foods or trauma.
- They pose an obstacle for dental procedures, such as fitting dentures.
For more detailed information on specific oral conditions, reputable sources like the American Dental Association (ADA) or the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) can provide further insights.
