Bone spurs, medically known as exostoses or osteophytes, are benign bony growths. They represent an increase in bone tissue, often forming in response to stress or irritation. In the mouth, they appear as hard lumps under the gum tissue and are typically non-cancerous.
Understanding Oral Bone Spurs
Oral bone spurs appear as hard, smooth lumps under the gum tissue. The most common types are torus palatinus, found on the roof of the mouth, and torus mandibularis, located on the inner side of the lower jaw. Less common are buccal exostoses, which are bony protrusions on the cheek side of the upper or lower jaws.
Torus palatinus usually presents as a single growth on the midline of the hard palate. Torus mandibularis often appears bilaterally, on both sides of the lower jaw near the premolars. These growths are generally slow-growing and can increase in size over time.
Common Causes of Bone Spurs in the Mouth
The exact reasons for the formation of oral bone spurs are not fully understood, but several factors are believed to contribute to their development. Genetic predisposition plays a significant role, suggesting that some individuals may be more inclined to develop these bony growths due to their inherited traits. This genetic influence can affect bone density and structure, impacting how the jawbone responds to various stimuli.
Excessive chewing forces and occlusal stress are also considered major contributors. This includes conditions like bruxism, which involves habitual teeth grinding or clenching, placing abnormal strain on the teeth and jaw. When the teeth do not align properly, a condition known as malocclusion, it can lead to increased stress and tension in the jaw joint, encouraging the body to produce extra bone material as a defensive response.
Local irritation or trauma can also stimulate bone spur formation. This can result from chronic gum inflammation, or even the pressure exerted by dental appliances. The body’s natural response to stress or injury involves laying down new bone, which can manifest as these bony outgrowths. For instance, after a tooth extraction, small bone fragments might become dislodged and protrude through the gum as the area heals, or the body may aggressively try to fill the space left by the extracted tooth.
Identifying and Addressing Oral Bone Spurs
Oral bone spurs are frequently discovered incidentally during routine dental examinations, where a dentist may notice the hard lumps during a visual inspection or through radiographic imaging like X-rays. Most individuals with bone spurs, especially tori, experience no symptoms, and the growths are often painless. However, if symptoms do arise, they can include a sensation of a foreign body in the mouth, discomfort while eating or talking, or irritation from sharp edges.
Large bone spurs can interfere with daily oral functions, such as proper denture placement, as the growths may prevent a secure fit. They can also cause speech difficulties, especially if they become large enough to obstruct tongue movement. Food particles may get trapped around the bony growths, potentially compromising oral hygiene and leading to irritation or ulcer formation due to the thin tissue covering them.
In most cases, oral bone spurs are benign and do not necessitate treatment. However, removal might be considered if the growths cause significant discomfort, interfere with the fitting of dental prostheses like dentures, or lead to chronic irritation and ulceration. Surgical removal is the primary treatment option, typically performed by an oral surgeon. This procedure involves making an incision to access and carefully remove the excess bone, followed by suturing the tissue. While complications are uncommon, they can include swelling, bleeding, or infection.