Tonsil stone sounds intimidating because it’s usually associated with inflammation and infection, but don’t be alarmed.
Most of the time, they are quite small in size and tend to go away on their own. If they don’t, with the help of this article, you can learn to spot their symptoms, catch them on time and either remove them yourself or have a doctor do it for you.
Let’s get into the details.
What Are Tonsil Stones, and How Are They Formed?
To understand tonsil stones, you first need to understand what tonsils are. Tonsils are two glands that sit at the back of your throat on either side.
They are a part of your lymphatic system, which means their role is mainly to prevent foreign objects like bacteria or viruses from entering your body. They also produce white blood cells and antibodies that are used to fight infections in your throat.
These tonsils have crevices called crypts, where old food particles, dead bacteria, and cells tend to get trapped in the mucus.
Over time, these depositions get attacked by the white blood cells from your tonsils since they are foreign objects. This causes them to turn into hard, yellow, or white-colored rock-like structures, known as tonsil stones.
Tonsil stones can range anywhere from the size of a rice grain to that of a mini golf ball. The larger they get, the more problematic they can be, and they will require professional help to remove them. But before we get into treatment, let’s look at the symptoms of tonsil stones.
5 Symptoms of Tonsil Stones
1. Bad breath
The most common symptom of tonsil stones is bad breath. This is caused by the bacteria that live in these stones and give off sulfide gases that leave a bad smell in your mouth regardless of how much you brush or floss.
2. Difficulty in swallowing, breathing, and eating
With tonsil stones, it’s also very common to feel like you have a lump at the back of your throat, which makes it harder to breathe, eat, drink, or swallow.
All the bacteria in the tonsil stones can lead to inflammation and infection in the tonsils, causing them to swell up, forming the ‘lump.’
This does depend on the size and the exact location of the stone, but it can be painful and cause major discomfort.
3. White or yellow spots on tonsils
If you have large tonsils or a greater number of tonsils, you will either see white spots on your tonsils or tiny stones at the back of your throat. These will be much easier to spot if they’re on the surface rather than buried in the tonsil while you’re flossing.
4. Ear pain
Your ear and tonsils share certain nerve pathways. If the tonsil stones happen to form in or near one of these nerves, you will most likely experience ear pain because of the pressure applied to the nerve by the stone.
5. Sore throat and coughing
Sore throats are very common with tonsil stones, although they can also be a symptom of inflammation of the tonsils (tonsillitis). This can also be coupled with a persistent cough if the tonsil stones irritate your throat.
Medical Procedures to Get Rid of Tonsil Stones
1. Cryptanalysis
Cryptanalysis is a process in which laser or radiofrequency is used to reduce the number of crevices in your tonsils.
This will prevent bacteria and other debris from settling in there in the first place, preventing the formation of stones.
This procedure can be done under local anesthesia, and the patient can usually return to a regular diet within a week.
2. Tonsillectomy
Tonsillectomy is the permanent removal of tonsils from your throat. This procedure is only done when your tonsils are highly prone to infection, tonsil stones, and inflammation, causing severe discomfort.
Since it is a procedure that carries a lot of risks, it’s usually done as a last resort.
The risks of this procedure include bleeding during and after the surgery, infection, swelling of the tongue and roof of your mouth, which can result in breathing problems, etc.
Without tonsils, your body loses a line of defense as well. Remember that even with this surgery, your tonsils can grow back under rare circumstances.
Will Tonsil Stones Go on Their Own?
This is most likely possible if your tonsil stones are small or fewer.
Although they often go away on their own, it can take a while, so treatment is often necessary to reduce discomfort and prevent recurrent infections.
While many treatments and home remedies are available, antibiotics, topical creams, and even over-the-counter medication are the most common.
Surgery may be recommended in more severe cases. It is important to note that tonsil stones can cause further complications and lead to chronic bad breath, sore throat, and even more serious health problems without proper treatment.
Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor if the stones do not go away on their own.
5 Ways to Get Rid of Tonsil Stones
1. Practice good oral hygiene
The best way to get rid of tonsil stones is to practice good oral hygiene.
This means brushing twice a day, flossing once daily, and ensuring you get regular dental checkups and cleanings. It’s also important to avoid foods that are known to cause tonsilitises, such as nuts or seeds.
If you still have trouble with tonsil stones after following these steps, see your doctor for advice and treatment options.
2. Use a nasal irrigation device
Nasal irrigation devices can help you flush out all the debris and bacteria that are causing your tonsil stones. You should use these devices regularly until you are no longer experiencing symptoms.
When you first begin using this method, it may seem like your symptoms are getting worse at first, but after about one week of use, your stones will start to disappear, and your symptoms will start to go away for good.
3. Gargle with salt water
If you’ve got tonsil stones, there’s a simple way to get rid of them: gargle with salt water.
Just fill a cup with warm water and add a teaspoon of salt. Swish the mixture around in your mouth for about 30 seconds, then spit it out. Repeat this process twice a day until your throat feels better.
4. Use a water flosser
You can get rid of tonsil stones by using a water flosser. A water flosser is a device that shoots water at high pressure through a small nozzle to cleanse around the teeth, gums, and tongue.
It’s especially helpful for people with braces or crowns, as it can help dislodge food particles that may be trapped in those areas.
5. Try a natural remedy
A natural remedy that is said to be very effective at removing them is apple cider vinegar.
Apple cider vinegar is known for its antibacterial properties and ability to balance pH levels in the body.
]It also contains beneficial enzymes and acids that can help break down excess mucus. The bacteria help keep your throat clean and healthy, making it great for preventing tonsil stones.
Conclusion
Tonsil stones can be an annoying and uncomfortable condition to live with, but they can be remedied with a few simple steps.
Drinking plenty of water, gargling salt water, and using a toothbrush to remove the stones can help get rid of them gently.
If the stones persist, seeking medical advice can be beneficial to discuss medical options. With a few easy lifestyle changes, tonsil stones can become a thing of the past.
