Answer:
Tonsil stones are hard white or yellow formations that are located on your tonsils. In many cases, you can use home remedies to dislodge tonsil stones, but in some cases, you may need antibiotics or surgery.
Tonsil stones are also known as tonsilloliths. They are generally not dangerous, but they may cause you to have a sore throat or bad breath.es may be easier to see and even stick out from your tonsils.
How do you remove tonsil stones?
Most tonsilloliths are harmless, but you may want to remove them because they can smell bad or cause discomfort. Treatments range from home remedies to medical procedures.
Gargling
Gargling vigorously with salt water can ease throat discomfort and may help dislodge tonsil stones. It can also help get rid of the odor tonsil stones can cause. Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon (tsp) salt in 8 ounces (oz) of warm water, and gargle.
Cough
You may first discover that you have tonsil stones when you cough one up. Energetic coughing may help you loosen your stones.
Manual removal
Removing the stones yourself with rigid items, such as a toothbrush, can cause harm to your tonsils. Your tonsils are delicate tissues, so it’s important to be gentle.
Manually removing tonsil stones can be harmful and lead to complications, such as bleeding and infection. If you decide to try to remove them manually, gently using a water pick or a cotton swab is a better choice than a toothbrush.
Doctors may recommend minor surgical procedures if stones become particularly large or cause pain or persistent symptoms.
Coblation cryptolysis
Coblation cryptolysis is a form of laser resurfacing that can help smooth out the crevices that trap the debris in the first place.
Doctors often perform this procedure using local anesthesia. Laser procedures typically cause less discomfort and have a shorter recovery time. According to on 2021 study, the procedure may be superior to tonsillectomies, despite their popularity in the United States.
Tonsillectomy
A tonsillectomy is the surgical removal of your tonsils. This procedure may be done using a scalpel, laser, or coblation device.
Doctors who recommend tonsillectomy for tonsil stones tend to use it only for severe, chronic cases and after you have tried other methods without success.
Antibiotics
In some cases, a doctor may recommend antibiotics to manage tonsil stones. You can use them to lower the bacteria counts that play a crucial role in the development and growth of tonsil stones. However, biofilm can beTrusted Source resistant to antibiotics.
The exact way that tonsil stones form is not completely understood. It is known that they are made up of a material called biofilm, which is a collection of microorganisms on a surface.
In the mouth, biofilm is a combination of your own mouth’s bacteria and fungi interacting with your mouth’s chemistry. This mixture then attaches itself to any moist surface.
In the case of tonsil stones, the material becomes hardenedTrusted Source within the tonsils. Another common biofilm in the mouth is plaque.
Factors that may contribute to the formation of tonsil stones include:
poor dental hygiene
large tonsils
chronic sinus issues
chronic tonsillitis (inflamed tonsils)
While rare, you may develop complications from tonsil stones. For example, the proliferation of bacteria within the stones can cause halitosis or bad breath and may also lead to tooth decay.
Large tonsil stones can also damage and disrupt typical tonsil tissue. This can lead to significant swelling, inflammation, and infection.
Tonsil stones linked to tonsil infections may also require surgery.
Are tonsil stones serious?
Tonsil stones are generally not serious. They can cause a sore throat and bad smell if they are large but do not typically cause worsening symptoms.
How can you prevent tonsil stones?
If you have tonsil stones, they may occur on a regular basis. Fortunately, you can take steps to prevent them, such as:
practicing good oral hygiene, including cleaning the bacteria off the back of your tongue when you brush your teeth
quitting smoking if you smoke
gargling with salt water
drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated
Are tonsil stones contagious?
Tonsil stones are not contagious. The debris that accumulates in the tonsils can trap microbes. However, the debris hardens, preventing spread.
The Bottom Line
Tonsil stones are a generally non-threatening buildup of bacteria and debris in the crevices of your tonsils. Smaller ones may not cause symptoms, but larger ones may cause bad breath or a sore throat.
You may be able to remove them at home with solutions such as a saltwater gargle, coughing, or using a water pick. If you can’t remove them yourself and cause you discomfort, you can talk to a doctor for other removal options.
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