Discovering Tori In Your Smile: What Is This?

Though you may not know them by name until right now, if you have protrusions, hard bumps, or bony growths (or any other term you’ve come up with) that have developed in your mouth, then you may be a little worried. Or, you may have thought that the anatomy of your mouth was somewhat standard until you were told you have tori and that not everyone has them. What to make of all of this, you wonder? Let us help!

They’re Harmless

First, let’s talk tori: They’re harmless growths composed of bone tissue that developed either in the space just beneath your tongue (instead of a deep opening, this area may contain tissue-covered bone that stick out just beneath your tongue). These are mandibular tori and can vary in size. Or, you may have noticed something similar on the buccal side of your molars (that means the side near your cheek tissue) or even along your palate.

You May Have Them Removed If Needed

You can generally ignore the tori in your mouth and simply continue on with life as usual. Or, you may consider removal if they are presenting any type of obstacle (for instance, you need a full denture but you cannot wear one due to their presence).

We Can Speak With You About “Why”

There’s not a single answer that applies to everyone regarding tori. We can speak with you about your unique smile, determining whether it’s more likely to do with your genetic makeup, any trauma your smile has experienced, habits like bruxism, or otherwise. Schedule a visit!

Schedule Time To Learn More About Your Smile

If you have questions about the anatomy of your smile or changes that you have recently noticed, we will be more than happy to see you for a visit. Learn more by scheduling a visit in Prairie Village, KS by calling Robert M Browne, DDS at (913) 901-8585.