Mandibular tori, migraine and temporomandibular disorders

In this study the presence of mandibular tori was related to conditions associated with parafunctional activity. Parafunction in the form of tooth clenching or grinding has been associated with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and recently migraine. Patients attending a facial pain clinic in Belfast were assessed for the presence of tori and results compared to age and gender matched controls. The findings were that mandibular tori were present significantly more commonly in both migraineurs and TMD patients. The results support an association with parafunction in the aetiology of mandibular tori and suggest that tori are a useful marker of past or present parafunction in some patients.