Dental tori (torus meaning one growth, tori meaning multiple) are non-cancerous bony growths. There are 3 types of dental tori: buccal exostoses which are located along the cheek side of the upper back gums, palatal tori which are located on the roof of the mouth and mandibular lingual tori which are found on the floor of the mouth, under the tongue, along the inside gums. Mandibular lingual tori is the most common of the three. Most of the time, tori is bilateral and symmetrical, meaning it happens on both sides and appears more or less identical. It is not completely understood why people develop tori. Some factors can include bruxism (grinding/clenching teeth), higher bone density, a possible lack of certain vitamins, a family history of tori, and age (those over 30 are more prone). Tori is also more common in men than women. But, since the exact cause is unknown, there really are no measures for prevention. Tori is generally harmless and doesn’t warrant removal surgically unless they are painful or interfere with things like, speech, oral hygiene, eating and drinking, or the need to fit a lower denture or partial. Somewhere between 5-40% of the population are estimated to have tori, so you are not alone! Be sure to voice any concerns you may have in this realm with your dentist, Dr. Leslie Spangler or Dr. Aimee D’Amour at our dental practice in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. We invite you to give us a call today at 715-514-5300 if you have any dental questions or concerns!