What is a tori in dental terms?

In dental terms, a torus is a bony swelling or enlargement that occurs on the palate (the roof of the mouth) or on the lingual (tongue) side of the mandible (lower jaw). Tori are typically benign and do not cause any symptoms, but they can sometimes cause discomfort or interfere with speech or eating.

There are two main types of tori: palatal tori and mandibular tori. Palatal tori are more common and occur on the midline of the palate. Mandibular tori occur on the lingual side of the mandible, usually near the midline.

Tori are usually composed of bone, but they can also contain fibrous tissue. They are thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Tori are more common in certain populations, such as Eskimos and Native Americans. They are also more common in men than in women.

Tori typically do not require treatment. However, if they are causing discomfort or interfering with function, they can be removed surgically.