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Tonsil stones, also recognized as tonsilloliths, are small, pale deposits visible within the crevices of your tonsils. They develop when food particles become trapped in these crevices; bacteria feed on them, decomposing them into the foul-smelling substance we detest. Tonsil stones are common in individuals with deep tonsil crevices. While they are often dislodged naturally during coughing and eating, and medical or home intervention is often unnecessary, there are various techniques for eliminating these deposits and preventing their return.
Procedures
Removing Stones with Cotton Swabs
Gather your supplies. Collect the cotton swabs and other essential items:
- Cotton swabs
- Toothbrush
- A mirror
- Flashlight, flashlight app, or lamp that you can aim.
- Running water.
Illuminate your throat. Open your mouth and shine a light inside. Perform this in front of a mirror to locate the tonsil stones.
Flex your throat muscles. Contract your throat muscles while extending your tongue. Say 'Ahh,' and tense the muscles at the back of your throat. Do this while holding your breath, similar to gargling water. This action should push your tonsils forward for better visibility.
Prepare the cotton swab. Wet the cotton swab with water. This will soften it and reduce irritation to your throat. Avoid placing it down to prevent contamination. Minimize contact between the swab and any surface that may carry germs, including your hands. After removing the stones, discard them into the sink without touching the swab to any surface, or wipe them on a clean paper towel.
- If the swab touches surfaces like the sink or counter, replace it with a new one.
- Exercise caution to avoid bleeding. While a small amount of bleeding is normal, try to minimize it as much as possible. Cuts and wounds can become infected by the same mouth bacteria that cause tonsil stones.
- If bleeding occurs, rinse your mouth and brush your teeth and tongue once it stops.
Rinse and repeat. Rinse with water and proceed to the next stone. Rinse especially if your saliva feels sticky, which can happen after poking the throat. As sticky saliva begins to form, drink water to dilute it.
Check for any hidden stones. Once you've removed all visible stones, place your thumb under your jaw and your clean index finger beside your tonsil. Gently try to squeeze out any remaining stones like toothpaste. If none appear, don't assume they're not there. Some craters are deep and difficult to clean completely.
Remove stubborn stones carefully. If a stone won't come out with a cotton swab, it may be deeply embedded. Avoid forcing it to prevent bleeding. Use the back of your toothbrush to gently dislodge it, then remove it with the swab or toothbrush.
- If the stones persist, try gargling with mouthwash for a few days before attempting again.
- If that fails, consider using an oral irrigator. Gradually increase the stream if necessary.
- Keep in mind that some individuals have a strong gag reflex and may not tolerate poking.
Using an Oral Irrigator
Purchase an oral irrigator. Oral irrigators, like water picks, can help dislodge tonsil stones from their crevices.
- Before purchasing, test it briefly on your tonsils. If the spray is too intense or causes discomfort, avoid using it.
Operate the irrigator on its lowest setting. Position the irrigator inside your mouth without touching the stone. Switch it on at the lowest setting and direct the water stream towards a visible tonsil stone. Maintain a steady stream until the stone is dislodged.
Assist the removal with a cotton swab or toothbrush. If the irrigator loosens but doesn't remove the stones, alternate between using the irrigator and a cotton swab or the back of a toothbrush.
- Repeat the process for each visible tonsil stone. Remember to be gentle as you dislodge the stones with the water pressure.
Gargling for Stone Removal and Prevention
Gargle with mouthwash after meals. Since tonsil stones often form due to food particles trapped in tonsil craters, gargling with mouthwash after eating is advisable. Mouthwash not only promotes dental and gum health but also helps dislodge food remnants before they become fodder for tonsil stone-forming bacteria.
- Ensure to use an alcohol-free mouthwash.
Try warm water and salt solution. Dissolve one teaspoon of salt in six ounces of water. Tilt your head back and gargle the salt water. This may dislodge food particles from the tonsil craters and alleviate any discomfort associated with tonsillitis, often associated with tonsil stones.
Consider an oxygenating mouthwash. Oxygenating mouthwashes contain chlorine dioxide and natural zinc compounds. Oxygen inhibits bacterial growth, making oxygenating mouthwashes beneficial for treating and preventing tonsil stones.
- However, oxygenating mouthwashes are potent and should be used only once or twice a week to prevent overuse. Incorporate them into your regular mouthwash routine.
Professional Treatment Options
Consult your physician regarding a tonsillectomy. Tonsillectomy is a relatively straightforward and efficient procedure. It carries low risk, with a short recovery period often characterized by minor throat discomfort and slight bleeding.
- If your medical history, age, or other factors raise concerns, your doctor may suggest alternative approaches.
- Note that a tonsillectomy is typically recommended for individuals with persistent or severe tonsil stones.
- You can also inquire about professional removal of your tonsil stones. Your physician may utilize specialized irrigation equipment for this purpose.
Explore antibiotic therapy for stubborn or severe tonsil stones. Various antibiotics, such as penicillin or erythromycin, may be prescribed to address tonsil stones. However, they do not address the underlying cause of tonsil stones—food trapped in the tonsils. Relapse is possible, and antibiotics may carry adverse side effects. Most antibiotics eliminate beneficial mouth and gut bacteria, which play a role in combating problematic bacteria.
Inquire about laser therapy. Laser treatment can remove the tissue comprising deep tonsil pockets. Laser resurfacing smoothens the tonsil surface, eliminating pockets and craters. However, this procedure isn't devoid of risks.
Helpful Advice
The guidance provided in this section is drawn from the real-life experiences of Mytour readers like yourself. If you have a valuable tip to share on Mytour, please submit it below.
- Substitute a small syringe filled with warm salt water for an oral irrigator. Position the syringe tip near the tonsil stone and release a stream of water. After removing the stone, flush the area with additional water to displace any smaller stones.
- Utilize a fresh, unused cotton swab for each tonsil stone removal.
