Problems Associated with Bony Growths Anywhere in Your Mouth
Posted on 4/1/2026 by Pacific Oral and Facial Surgery Center |
 Have you ever felt a hard, sometimes uncomfortable lump in your mouth? It might be a bony growth. While usually harmless, these growths can sometimes cause problems and understanding them is important for your oral health. Let's explore what issues they can create.
What Are Bony Growths?
Bony growths, also known as exostoses, are extra bone formations that can appear in different areas of your mouth. Common locations include the roof of your mouth (torus palatinus) and the inside of your lower jaw near the premolars (torus mandibularis). They can be small or quite large, and their shape can vary. Often, they develop slowly over many years.
Potential Problems
While many bony growths don't cause any symptoms, some individuals experience challenges. Here are some issues that might arise:
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Difficulty with Oral Hygiene: Larger growths can make it harder to brush and floss effectively. The extra bone creates nooks and crannies where food particles and bacteria can accumulate, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Maintaining proper oral care becomes more challenging. |
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Soreness and Irritation: Bony growths are covered by a thin layer of tissue. This tissue can become irritated or ulcerated, especially if it's frequently rubbed by food, dentures, or even your tongue. This irritation can cause pain and discomfort. |
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Problems with Dentures: If you wear dentures, bony growths can interfere with their fit. The denture may rub against the growth, causing soreness and making it difficult to wear the denture comfortably. Adjustments or even new dentures might be necessary to accommodate the growth. |
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Interference with Dental Procedures: In some cases, bony growths can get in the way of other dental procedures. For example, if you need a dental implant or other types of restoration dentistry, the growth might need to be removed first to ensure the success of the procedure. |
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Speech Impediments: Although less common, large bony growths can sometimes affect speech. The extra bone can change the shape of your mouth, making it difficult to pronounce certain words clearly. |
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Food Entrapment: The shape of some bony growths create areas where food gets trapped. This is difficult to clean and can cause bad breath and increase the risk of tooth decay. |
What to Do
If you suspect you have a bony growth in your mouth, it's important to consult with an oral health professional. They can examine the growth, determine if it's a cause for concern, and discuss appropriate management options. In many cases, no treatment is necessary. However, if the growth is causing problems, removal might be recommended. Removal is a surgical procedure that involves carefully removing the excess bone.
Maintaining Oral Health
Regardless of whether you have bony growths, good oral care is essential. Brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and see your dental professional regularly for check-ups and cleanings. This will help keep your mouth healthy and prevent other oral health problems. If you have bony growths, pay special attention to cleaning around them to remove any trapped food particles and bacteria.
Bony growths are common and are frequently harmless. However, understanding the potential problems they can cause will help you take care of your oral health and make informed decisions about treatment if needed.
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