Yes, Tori can cause pain.
Tori, which are benign bony growths that can appear in the mouth (either on the roof of the mouth as torus palatinus or on the lower jaw near the tongue as torus mandibularis), are often harmless. However, their presence and size can lead to discomfort and pain in certain situations.
How Tori May Lead to Pain or Discomfort
Based on the provided information, the potential for pain or discomfort from tori is directly linked to their size and location, particularly how they interact with the surrounding tissues and activities.
- Size Matters: Large tori are specifically mentioned as a cause of discomfort or pain.
- Interaction with Activities: The pain is often exacerbated or felt most intensely during specific activities:
- Eating: Chewing and manipulating food in the mouth can cause friction or pressure against larger tori.
- Speaking: Certain speech movements might irritate tori, especially if they are large or awkwardly placed.
- Wearing Dental Appliances: Dentures or other removable appliances can press against the tori, leading to significant discomfort or pain.
- Difficulty Chewing: While not always described purely as "pain," tori that interfere with the normal alignment or function of teeth can make chewing and biting difficult, which is a form of discomfort or functional issue related to their presence.
Symptoms Associated with Problematic Tori
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Discomfort/Pain | Can range from mild irritation to significant pain, especially with larger tori. |
| Difficulty Eating | Chewing, swallowing, or maneuvering food becomes challenging. |
| Difficulty Speaking | Certain sounds or movements of the mouth may be affected or cause irritation. |
| Appliance Issues | Pain or instability when wearing dentures or other dental prosthetics. |
If tori are causing significant pain or interfering with daily life, dental professionals may recommend treatment options, typically involving surgical removal of the growth.
