Exostosis in the Mouth: Are Bony Growths a Cause for Concern?

If you have discovered a hard, bony bump in your mouth, you may be experiencing an exostosis mouth condition. While the name sounds clinical, these bony growths are typically benign, harmless, and do not require treatment in the vast majority of cases. While there are rare circumstances where these growths interfere with oral function or denture placement, this is not the norm. With proper oral hygiene and regular checkups, you can maintain a healthy, comfortable smile.

What Are the Types and Causes of Exostoses?

The type of exostosis is determined by its location. Common types include torus palatinus (roof of the mouth), torus mandibularis (under the tongue), and buccal exostoses (outside of the gums). While torus palatinus is often a singular growth, torus mandibularis and buccal exostoses are frequently bilateral, appearing on both sides of the jaw. According to the Journal of International Oral Health, potential causes include genetic factors, environmental influences, excessive chewing (masticatory hyperfunction), teeth grinding (bruxism), and continued jawbone growth.

Diagnosis and Potential Issues

Your dental professional will typically identify an exostosis during a routine checkup. They may document the growth by taking photos or measurements to monitor any changes over time. While usually harmless, potential issues include:

• Functional Interference: If very large, torus mandibularis can inhibit proper speech or tongue movement.
• Denture Fitting: All types of exostosis can interfere with the placement of artificial teeth, often requiring surgical reduction before prosthetic fitting.
• Tissue Trauma: The mucosa covering the bone is exceptionally thin and prone to injury from sharp foods, which can lead to recurrent ulcer formation.

Treatment and Removal

In the rare instance where treatment is recommended, the growth can be removed in a dental specialist’s office, usually by an oral surgeon. Using local anesthesia, the surgeon will expose the bone and trim it using a high-speed dental tool or, in some cases, a dental laser as noted by Dentistry Today. The tissue is then sutured back into place.

Maintaining Oral Hygiene

To keep your mouth healthy, follow these steps:

• Daily Cleaning: Use floss, interdental brushes, or water flossers at least once a day.
• Antimicrobial Care: Incorporate antimicrobial mouthrinses and tongue scrapers into your routine.
• Food Removal: Be diligent in checking for and removing food particles that may get trapped in the gingival crevices surrounding the growth.
• Professional Checkups: See your dentist for regular cleanings to monitor the health and size of any bony lumps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these bony growths cancerous?

No. Exostoses are benign, non-cancerous bone formations and do not pose a risk of developing into oral cancer.

How does a dentist diagnose an exostosis?

A dentist typically identifies them during a regular checkup. They may take photos or measurements to document the structure and track any growth over time.

Can I prevent them from growing?

Because genetics and unknown factors play a role, they cannot always be prevented. However, managing habits like bruxism may help reduce mechanical stress on the jawbone.

Do I need surgery to remove them?

Surgery is rarely necessary. It is usually reserved for rare cases where the growth interferes with oral function, denture fitting, or causes chronic pain from ulceration.