Eskimo teeth disorder refers to an extra tooth or bone growth that is found between the tongue and gums. Also known as Mandibular Tori, Eskimo teeth get their name from the Eskimo people, preferably identified as Inuit or Yupik. These populations are more likely to have the disorder compared to the rest of the population.
More questions and answers about Eskimo teeth:
- Are they painful?
It may sound painful to have extra teeth in your mouth, but it’s not. The problematic part of Mandibular Tori is that the extra bone can prevent proper growth of your other teeth. They can press against your roots or even push teeth out of alignment. - How common are they?
An estimated 7-10% of the North American population has some form of Eskimo teeth. This condition is more prevalent in the Inuit and Asian populations, and is also more common in males. - How are they treated?
Though Mandibular Tori is benign; the bone growths still need to be removed. They can damage surrounding nerve tissue and also negatively impact alignment.
Whether it’s Eskimo teeth, a sore jaw or a crooked smile—mouth issues deserve your dentist’s input. Find a dentist here.
