If you’ve noticed unusual bony growths in your mouth, you might be experiencing a condition known as exostosis. While the term might sound alarming, most of the time, these bony growths are harmless. Although there are rare instances where exostoses can interfere with oral functions or denture placement, requiring surgical intervention, such cases are not typical. With good oral hygiene practices, your mouth can remain healthy even with exostoses. Let’s dive into the types, causes, and potential issues related to exostoses to ensure your oral health stays in top shape.
What Are the Types and Causes of Exostoses in the Mouth?
The type of exostosis you have depends on its location within your mouth. The most common types are:
- Torus Palatinus: Found on the roof of the mouth.
- Torus Mandibularis: Located beneath the tongue.
- Buccal Exostoses: Hard bony protrusions on the outside of your gums, which are less common.
Torus palatinus typically appears as a singular growth, while torus mandibularis and buccal exostoses often occur bilaterally, meaning they appear on both sides of the mouth.
The exact cause of these bony growths is not well understood. However, factors such as genetics, environmental influences, excessive chewing (masticatory hyperfunction), teeth grinding (bruxism), and continuous jawbone growth may contribute. These growths usually become noticeable in late teens or early adulthood and can increase in size over time. Many individuals have exostoses for years before they even realize they are there.
Diagnosing Exostosis
Dental professionals often diagnose exostosis during routine checkups. If they observe thickened or protruding bone, they may take photographs or measure the structure to monitor any growth over time.
Health Concerns Associated with Exostoses
Exostoses are typically considered a variation of normal and usually do not pose significant health concerns. However, they can sometimes lead to issues, especially if they grow large enough to interfere with oral functions. For example, a large torus mandibularis can impede proper speech. Additionally, the thin tissue covering these bone growths is prone to injury from sharp foods, which can lead to ulcer formation. Exostoses can also complicate denture placement if you have missing teeth. Some individuals may opt for removal due to aesthetic concerns.
Treatment Options for Exostosis
In rare cases where treatment is necessary, an exostosis can be surgically removed by an oral surgeon. The procedure, usually performed under local anesthesia, involves making an incision, lifting the soft tissue to expose the overgrowth, and trimming the bone using a high-speed dental tool or potentially a dental laser. The tissue is then sutured back into place.
Maintaining Oral Hygiene with Exostosis
Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial if you have exostosis. Here are some tips:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
- Floss daily, or use interdental brushes or water flossers to clean between your teeth.
- Use antimicrobial mouthwash and a tongue scraper regularly.
- Schedule regular dental cleanings to keep your teeth clean and monitor the health and size of any bone growths.
- Be diligent in removing any food particles that may get trapped between the growth and your gums.
- Ask your dentist for specific recommendations tailored to your needs.
While exostoses might initially seem concerning, they are generally harmless. It’s essential to maintain an excellent oral hygiene routine and schedule regular checkups with your dentist to ensure any growths are monitored and managed effectively. If you’re unsure whether a growth in your mouth is bone or something more problematic, consult with a dental professional promptly. With proper care, you’re likely to keep smiling confidently.
Issues and Treatment for Exostosis in the Mouth
Though benign, exostoses can occasionally cause problems if they grow large enough to interfere with mouth functions. The large torus mandibularis can affect speech, and all types of exostosis can complicate denture placement. The thin mucosa covering these growths is susceptible to scratches and injuries, leading to ulcers from trauma.
In rare cases where treatment is needed, the exostosis can be removed surgically by an oral surgeon. Under local anesthesia, an incision is made, and the soft tissue is lifted to expose and trim the bone overgrowth. Advances in dental laser technology offer promising, less-invasive treatment options.
Exostosis in the mouth rarely concerns dentists or patients. Treatment is necessary only when the growths interfere with normal mouth functions or cause aesthetic concerns. To maintain overall oral health, brush twice daily with toothpaste designed to repair early teeth and gum damage, and schedule regular dental visits. Your dentist can detect oral problems early and recommend the best treatments for you.
