Tori? Nope, Not a Fantasy Creature. Just Your Friendly Oral Bumps!

Ah, tori. If you’ve recently heard the word for the first time, you’re probably imagining something exotic—like a mystical creature that guards a dental treasure chest. But nope! In the world of dentistry, tori (or singular “torus”) are just those little bony bumps in your mouth that can make you feel like your jaw’s throwing a surprise party. And guess what? They’re totally normal!

So, let’s chat about tori and put your mind at ease, because, spoiler alert: you’re not turning into a dental superhero or developing new jaw powers (though that would be pretty cool).

What Exactly Are Tori?

Tori are harmless growths of bone in your mouth. You’ll most commonly find them along the inside of your lower jaw or the roof of your mouth. Think of them as your mouth’s quirky way of saying, “Hey, look, I can do more than just house teeth!” They don’t come with any special abilities—no enhanced biting strength or tooth-laser powers—but they’re part of what makes your mouth, well, yours!

Are They Weird? Unusual? Should I Be Worried?

Absolutely not! About 20-30% of people have tori. That’s right—there’s a good chance your neighbor, your boss, or even your dentist has them, too. It’s like a secret club you didn’t know you were in. And unlike most clubs, this one doesn’t have any weird membership fees or initiation ceremonies.

Tori are just bony outgrowths, often hereditary, so if your family has them, you might, too. They tend to grow slowly over time and are generally no big deal. They might sound fancy or alarming at first, but there’s nothing abnormal about them. It’s just your bones being, well, overachievers.

Do They Do Anything?

Aside from occasionally making you question your life choices when you notice them, tori are generally just… there. They don’t serve a specific function (like wisdom teeth used to, back when cavemen didn’t have braces), but they don’t usually cause harm either. Sometimes they can get in the way if you’re trying to fit a dental appliance like dentures or a retainer, but your friendly dentist at Massasoit Dental Associates can help with that.

However, if you’re thinking they might be an excellent conversation starter at your next dinner party, you’re absolutely right. Nothing says “I’m interesting” quite like casually mentioning your tori over appetizers.

Do I Need to Get Rid of Them?

Good news—tori are like those weird knick-knacks you keep on your shelf for no apparent reason: you don’t need to get rid of them unless they’re actually causing problems. If your tori are pain-free and not interfering with your life, they can stay right where they are. No eviction notice necessary.

In rare cases, if they’re making eating, talking, or dental work a challenge, your dentist might recommend a little intervention. But in most cases, the best course of action is to just leave them alone and let them be their bony, quirky selves.

What If They’re Bugging Me?

Okay, maybe your tori are a little extra—like that one friend who insists on singing every single karaoke song at the party. If they’re causing discomfort or affecting your dental work, we’ve got your back. Our team at Massasoit Dental Associates can help determine if any treatment is necessary, and we’ll walk you through every step (no magic spells or dental dragons involved).

In Conclusion: Tori Are No Big Deal

So, next time you notice those little bumps in your mouth, don’t panic! You haven’t developed a hidden superpower, and you’re not turning into a Marvel character. Tori are just a quirky, common part of the oral landscape. And like that oddball cousin at Thanksgiving, they may be a bit unexpected, but they’re still part of the family.

If you have any questions or concerns about your tori, or if they’re getting a little too rowdy for your liking, come see us at Massasoit Dental Associates! We promise we’ll keep the dragon jokes to a minimum (well, maybe).

Stay bumpy, friends! 🦷✨

Tori? Nope, Not a Fantasy Creature. Just Your Friendly Oral Bumps!