Torus mandibularis refers to a bony growth on the floor of your mouth, under your tongue. These growths, also called dental tori, are harmless and typically don’t cause pain. You can have mandibular tori on one side or both sides of your mouth. Torus mandibularis generally doesn’t require treatment unless it interferes with chewing, speaking or other functions.
Dental tori vary in number, size and placement. Healthcare providers call these bony growths palatal tori (torus palatinus) because they typically form on your palate (roof of your mouth).
Mandibular tori affect 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.
One or more bony growths on your lower jaw, under your tongue can cause many different issues, such as:
- The tissue covering the bony growths could become irritated or inflamed.
- There also may be difficulty getting dental appliances to fit correctly, such as dentures and mouth guards. Food particles may get stuck around the bony growths. It may also impair speech and cause trouble closing your mouth all the way (rare).
Healthcare providers don’t really know what causes mandibular tori or why some people are more likely to develop them. There are, however, certain identifiable risk factors. These include:
- If you clench or grind your teeth, you might be more likely to have mandibular tori. The way your teeth fit together, as well as your jaw shape, can have an impact on the presence of dental tori.
- Poor oral hygiene. Tori that are near your teeth may make it difficult to brush and floss properly. This can result in a buildup of dental plaque and harmful oral bacteria.
- You’re more likely to have dental tori if there’s a family history of the condition. People over the age of 30 are also more likely to develop mandibular tori.
Though mandibular tori aren’t harmful or cancerous, they can cause complications in some people.
Contact our team today at 209-383-6133 to learn more about dental tori and explore your options during a consultation with our dentists.