Do you have these strange lumps in your mouth, under your tongue? Let's talk about (Torus Mandibularis)!

Have you ever noticed a small bony lump under your tongue, on the inside of your lower jaw? There may be more than one. This is what we medically call a ``Torus Mandibularis'' or ``Mandibular Tori''. Many people are scared when they see this, thinking, ''Is this some kind of disease? Is it cancer?'' But it's actually not dangerous.

What is this Torus Mandibularis?

Simply put, this is a bony growth that forms on the inside of your lower jaw, under your tongue. It's like a small bone-like bump. They can be on one side or both. We also call them ``Dental Tori''. Most of the time, they don't cause any pain , and they're not dangerous. Some people are born with them, while others develop them later in life.

Just think, there are cases where similar bumps form on the roof of the mouth. We call them `(Palatal Tori)` or `(Torus Palatinus)` because they form on the roof of the mouth (`palate`).

Is it normal to have bumps like this?

In fact, this condition called `(Mandibular Tori)` is not that common . Roughly speaking, it affects about 27 out of 1,000 adults in the United States. Also, they are less common than `(Palatal Tori)`, which occurs on the roof of the mouth. What's more, only about 80% of people with this `(Mandibular Tori)` have these bumps on both sides of the mouth.

However, even though these `(Dental Tori)` are not that common, there is nothing wrong with having them. They will not harm you, and they are not cancerous conditions. So there is nothing to worry about.

What are the symptoms of torus mandibularis?

You can have these ``Mandibular Tori'' on one side of your lower jaw or on both sides. You may have been born with them, or they may have developed gradually over time.

You may have these symptoms:

• One or more bony lumps on your lower jaw, under your tongue (this can be on one side or both sides).
• Sometimes you may feel discomfort when eating or swallowing.
• It is difficult to properly fit dentures or mouth guards.
• Food getting stuck around those bony bumps.
• It's a little difficult to pronounce some words when speaking.
• It rarely happens, but sometimes it's impossible to close your mouth completely.

Why does this torus mandibularis (Mandibular Tori) form?

In fact, doctors still don't know exactly what causes mandibular tori, or why some people are more likely to develop them. However, there are some risk factors that have been identified that may contribute to the condition.

What are the risk factors for developing torus mandibularis?

The following factors may increase the risk of developing `(Mandibular Tori)`:

• Teeth grinding (Bruxism): If you grind your teeth frequently or chew your teeth vigorously, you are more likely to develop these bumps. Remember, people who grind their teeth in their sleep are also at risk.
• Mouth Anatomy: The way your teeth fit together, as well as the shape of your jaw, can affect the formation of this dental tori.
• Bone Density: People with high bone density, or those who have had significant changes in bone density, are more likely to develop these tumors.
• Vitamin Deficiencies: Some research has shown that a deficiency in certain vitamins can also contribute to the development of dental caries.
• Genetics: If someone in your family has these types of lumps, you are more likely to develop them too. This means that it can be hereditary.
• Age: People over the age of 30 are more likely to develop this ``Mandibular Tori''.

What complications can occur due to this torus mandibularis?

Although these lumps, called ``Mandibular Tori'', are not dangerous or cancerous, they can cause complications in some people. This is especially true if they interfere with other parts of the mouth or the function of the mouth.

Here are some of the possible complications:

• Poor Oral Hygiene: If these bumps are close to your teeth, it can be difficult to properly brush and floss. This can lead to a buildup of dental plaque and harmful bacteria in your mouth.
• Difficulty eating and swallowing: If you have enlarged mandibular tori, they can cause problems when eating and swallowing.
• Speech Issues: Sometimes, this (Mandibular Tori) can interfere with the movement of the tongue, making it difficult to pronounce words clearly when speaking.
• Pain or discomfort: If these bumps become very large, you may not be able to close your mouth completely. Also, the delicate tissues (like the gums) that cover these bony bumps can become sore, red, and inflamed. This can be especially bad if you wear dentures or mouth guards.

How do doctors diagnose the presence of Mandibular Tori?

Most often, dentists discover these ``Dental Tori'' during a routine check-up of your mouth. They may take photos of these bumps and note their size and location.

What kind of tests are done to find this?

There are no major tests needed to confirm the presence of `(Mandibular Tori)`. However, if your dentist is suspicious, or wants to check for other dental conditions, they may order a `CT (Computed Tomography)` scan .

What are the treatments for Mandibular Tori?

Most of the time, you won't need any treatment for these `(Mandibular Tori)`. If they aren't causing you pain or interfering with your daily activities or quality of life, then no treatment is needed. However, if necessary, oral surgeons can surgically remove these `(Mandibular Tori)`.

How can these lumps be removed surgically?

Oral surgeons perform the surgery to remove this `(Mandibular Tori)`. Here are some things that happen during this surgery:

• First, you will be given a local anesthetic to numb your gums. (In addition, many oral surgeons use sedation dentistry to keep you calm and not afraid during the procedure.)
• Then, a small incision is made in the gum and the incision is made to the point where the tori are.
• Those bony lumps called ``tori'' and extra bone fragments are removed.
• Finally, the incision is closed with stitches .

Are there any complications after this lump removal surgery?

Complications after surgery to remove this `(Mandibular Tori)` are very rare , but they can sometimes occur. These can include:

• Excessive bleeding.
• Occurrence of an infection.
• Swelling that lasts more than a few days.
• An allergy to anesthesia (this is very rare).

How long does it take to recover after these treatments?

It can take about four weeks to fully heal after having a mandibular tori removed – sometimes longer, depending on the size of the lump. But your general discomfort and pain should start to subside in about a week or two.

You should take care of these things during your recovery:

• Take all the medicine prescribed by the doctor on time .
• Avoid eating hard, brittle foods like hard biscuits and crackers.
• Eat liquid, soft foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, pudding, applesauce, and pasta.
• Use an antibacterial mouthwash daily. This will help keep the surgical site clean.

Can the formation of Mandibular Tori be prevented?

There is really no specific way to prevent the formation of `(Mandibular Tori)`. Because it is not known exactly what causes them to form in the first place. If you have these bony lumps in the lower part of your mouth, tell your dentist about them. Then he can keep an eye on these lumps and see if they are causing any problems.

What happens if I have these lumps?

Most people do not need to do anything about this `(Mandibular Tori)`. Surgical removal is only necessary if these lumps are interfering with your daily activities or quality of life.

If you have these ``Dental Tori'', tell your doctor or dentist about it. They can confirm what it is exactly and see if it develops over time.

Does this torus mandibularis shrink over time?

No, these lumps called `(Mandibular Tori)` do not shrink over time. If your `(Dental Tori)` is causing you pain, or is interfering with your ability to speak or eat, you will need to have oral surgery to remove them.

Can these grow back after being removed?

Unfortunately, in some cases, this `(Mandibular Tori)` can recur . Treating underlying problems, such as clenching and grinding, can reduce this risk.

When should I see a doctor?

If you notice a lump or growth in your mouth, always tell your dentist or doctor about it . They can then confirm your diagnosis and check for other medical conditions.

If you already have `(Mandibular Tori)`, you should see a doctor if any of the following occur:

• It's okay if the number of lumps increases, and it's okay if the ones you have get bigger .
• If the tissue covering the lump is red and looks injured .
• If you feel any pain or discomfort .
• If the lumps start to interfere with eating and swallowing .
• If you are having difficulty speaking .

Is this Mandibular Tori a cancer?

No, `(Mandibular Tori)` is not cancer or something that can become cancer . People with these lumps have the same risk of developing cancer in the future as others, and it is not increased.

So should I be worried about this torus mandibularis?

No, there is no reason to be afraid of these `(Mandibular Tori)`. These are not dangerous, not contagious, and not cancerous.

However, if you experience any complications due to this `(Mandibular Tori)`, talk to your dentist about treatment options. He or she may refer you to an oral surgeon for further testing and treatment.

Finally, things to remember

Torus Mandibularis is a non-cancerous bony growth that forms on your lower jaw, under your tongue. You may have one torus or several tori. They can occur on one or both sides of your mouth. Mandibular tori are not dangerous, but they can sometimes be uncomfortable and painful. If these bony growths are interfering with your oral function or quality of life, talk to your dentist. He or she can recommend a treatment that is right for you.

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