What is a torus palatinus?

The hard palate, or roof of the mouth, is slightly rounded and usually smooth. However, some people may have a hard lump or protrusion extending out of this area.

This lump, called a torus palatinus, may develop over time. In other cases, a person may have it their entire life.

Some symptoms a person might notice if they have a torus palatinus include:

• one or more hard lumps at the top of the mouth
• painless bumps at the top of the mouth
• difficulty getting orthodontic devices or mouthguards to fit correctly
• a speech impediment or a change in speech patterns, if the growths are large
• difficulty fitting dentures on the roof of the mouth
• difficulty chewing, if the growths are new, large, or located near teeth
• difficulty swallowing
• food getting stuck around the growths

Some signs and symptoms that the growths might be something other than a torus palatinus include:

• the presence of other symptoms, such as fever or swelling
• ulcers on the gums
• the presence of growths elsewhere on the body
• feeling ill or noticing other unexplained symptoms
• the growths becoming painful
• symptoms of tooth decay, such as broken teeth, tooth pain, or very swollen gums

Doctors do not understand what causes tori palatini or why they are more common in some groups than in others.

Some potential causes and risk factors might include:

• Age: The growths are more common in people over the age of 30.
• Mouth shape and bite structure: The shape of a person’s mouth, tooth crowding, and other factors might increase the risk.
• Genetics: A 2015 study of twins suggests a strong genetic link for bony outgrowths in the mouth, even in those who have other risk factors.
• Tooth grinding: People who grind their teeth may be more likely to experience these bony growths.
• Bone mineral density: Changes in bone mineral density may cause a torus palatinus. A few older studies suggest that older adults with a torus palatinus have higher bone mineral density than their peers.

Tori palatini are usually harmless. They will not usually require treatment unless they interfere with a person’s speech, ability to swallow, or daily life.

However, removal may be necessary before the fabrication of a denture. In that case, a dentist may recommend changing the shape of the dental device to fit around the growth or surgery to remove the growth.

Several other medical conditions may also cause swollen growths in the mouth, including in the hard palate. These include:

• a dental abscess, which may cause swelling or a cyst on or near an infected tooth
• oral cancer, which can cause unusual growths on the palate or in the throat
• a cyst in the mouth
• injury to the mouth from sharp or hot food, dental appliances, tooth grinding, or trauma such as a blow to the mouth
• an infected wound in the mouth

Tori palatini are not dangerous. The growths do not cause cancer, infections, or other serious complications. However, like any growth in the body, it can interfere with normal functioning.

Very large growths and those located near other structures are more likely to cause complications. Some common issues include:

• Discomfort in the mouth: A person may find that the growth interferes with the normal positioning of their tongue or makes it difficult to close or rest the mouth comfortably. Discomfort may also come from repeated trauma when eating or friction associated with dental appliances.
• Swallowing: Depending on the location of the growth, a person may have difficulty swallowing.
• Eating and chewing: Food may get stuck on the growth or make it difficult to swallow.
• Oral hygiene: Sometimes, the growth may make it difficult to brush the teeth effectively. When food gets stuck on the growth, it can cause oral health issues such as bad breath and tooth decay.
• Speech issues: Occasionally, the growth may make it difficult to correctly move the tongue and mouth when speaking. This can cause a person to develop speech issues such as a lisp.
• Anxiety: Some people are self-conscious about the growth. Others may feel afraid that it will become cancerous, especially if they keep developing new growths.

A person should see a doctor or dentist for any unusual growths in the mouth. Even if it looks like a torus palatinus, it is important to rule out other potential causes.

People with a history of tori palatini should see a doctor if:

• they notice new growths
• the growths become painful
• the growths cause new symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing or talking
• the growths do not disappear in a few weeks
• the growths change in size or color
• they develop other symptoms, such as bleeding from the growths, mouth pain, bad breath, broken teeth, or other oral health issues

Below are some commonly asked questions about a torus palatinus.

What is a torus palatinus caused by?

Doctors do not fully understand what causes a torus palatinus. However, research suggests the following may increase a person’s risk of developing it:

• being aged 30 or over
• the shape of a person’s mouth
• genetics
• people who grind their teeth
• changes in bone mineral density

Does a torus palatinus need to be removed?

A torus palatinus is generally asymptomatic. Therefore, surgical or laser removal is usually not necessary. However, a doctor or dentist may recommend removal if it’s interfering with a person’s speech, ability to swallow, or daily life.

Is it painful to have a tori removed?

Typically, there’s minimal pain during the surgical removal of a torus palatinus due to general anesthesia. However, a person is likely to experience pain afterward. For this reason, a doctor may prescribe analgesics, which are medications that relieve pain, following this procedure.

Developing a torus palatinus can potentially be alarming, especially to someone anxious about oral health or cancer. However, these growths are benign, which means that they are not cancerous and are not a risk factor for cancer.

As long as they do not cause significant symptoms, a person does not need to treat them.

However, because new growths in the mouth could warn of a more serious health concern, it is important to consult a doctor rather than self-diagnose.

Read this article in Spanish.