Tori (singular torus) are bony growths that can develop in the mouth. They are benign and harmless, but can be uncomfortable and inconvenient. There are different types of tori, including:

• Mandibular tori: These are bony growths on the floor of the mouth, under the tongue. They can be present on one or both sides of the mouth and vary in size and number. Mandibular tori are somewhat uncommon, affecting about 27 out of every 1,000 adults in the United States.

• Palatal tori: These are bony growths on the roof of the mouth. They are also known as torus palatinus and are more common in women than men. Palatal tori can occur in groups of various shapes and sizes, or you can have just one torus.

• Buccal exostoses: These are tori on the back, upper gums, on the cheek side.

The exact cause of tori is not fully understood, but they are believed to be genetic and can be present at birth or develop later in life. They are more common in males than females. Tori are not harmful or cancerous, but they can interfere with chewing, speaking, or other functions if they grow too large. In some cases, tori may need to be surgically removed to accommodate dentures or improve oral hygiene.