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Tonsil stones, also referred to as tonsilloliths, are small, whitish formations visible in the crevices of the tonsils. These stones often develop when food debris gets trapped in the tonsil crypts, allowing bacteria to thrive and eventually form foul-smelling, unpleasant deposits. Tonsil stones are not uncommon in individuals with deep tonsil crypts. Although they are frequently dislodged during coughing or eating, and medical intervention is usually unnecessary, there are several methods you can use to remove these deposits and prevent their recurrence.
Steps
Removing Tonsil Stones with a Cotton Swab
Gather Supplies. Prepare a cotton swab and other necessary materials:
- Cotton swab
- Toothbrush
- Mirror
- Flashlight, flashlight app, or an adjustable light source
- Tap water
Shine a light into your throat. Open your mouth and use a light to illuminate your throat while standing in front of a mirror to locate the tonsil stones.
Push your tonsils forward. Relax your throat and stick out your tongue. Say “Aaaa” and contract the muscles at the back of your throat. Do this while holding your breath, similar to gargling. This action will push your tonsils forward, making them more visible.
Prepare the cotton swab. Dip the cotton swab in water to soften it and reduce throat irritation. Avoid placing the swab on any surface to prevent contamination. Minimize contact with germ-prone surfaces, including your hands. When removing tonsil stones, flick the swab over the sink without touching any surfaces, or wipe it on a clean tissue.
- If the swab touches any surface, such as the sink or table, replace it with a new one.
Gently dislodge the tonsil stones with the cotton swab. Press or nudge until the stones loosen, then remove them from your mouth.
- Be very gentle, as this step may cause bleeding. While minor bleeding is normal, take care to minimize it. Cuts and wounds can become infected by the same bacteria in your mouth that cause tonsil stones.
- Rinse your mouth if bleeding occurs, then brush your teeth and scrape your tongue once the bleeding stops.
Rinse your mouth and repeat the process. Use mouthwash and continue removing additional stones. Rinse especially if your saliva becomes thick, a condition that occasionally occurs when your throat is irritated. If your saliva thickens, drink water to thin it out.
Check for hidden stones. After removing visible stones, place your thumb under your jaw and a clean index finger inside your mouth near the tonsil. Gently squeeze to push any remaining stones into view (like squeezing toothpaste). Don’t assume all stones are gone just because you can’t see them. Some crypts are deep, making complete removal challenging.
Carefully remove stubborn stones. If a stone resists removal with a cotton swab, it may be deeply embedded. Avoid forcing it out, as this can cause bleeding. Use the back of your toothbrush to gently nudge it loose, then extract it with a swab or brush.
- If the stone remains, try rinsing with mouthwash for a few days before attempting again.
- If that doesn’t work, consider using a water flosser. If ineffective, slightly increase the water pressure.
- Remember, some people have a strong gag reflex and may struggle with throat stimulation.
Using a Water Flosser
Purchase a water flosser. A water flosser can help dislodge tonsil stones from crypts.
- Test it on your tonsils before buying – if the stream is too strong or painful, avoid using it for stone removal.
Use the water flosser on the lowest setting. Position the tip in your mouth without touching the stone, and turn it on at the lowest pressure. Aim the stream at visible tonsil stones, holding it steady until the stone loosens.
Use a cotton swab or toothbrush to remove stones. If the water stream has loosened the stones but hasn't removed them, gently use a cotton swab or the back of a toothbrush to extract them.
Rinse your mouth to eliminate and prevent stones
Rinse with mouthwash after meals. Tonsil stones often form when food particles get trapped in the tonsil crypts, so rinsing with mouthwash after eating is a smart move. Mouthwash not only enhances oral health but also helps dislodge tiny food particles before they become a breeding ground for bacteria that cause tonsil stones.
Try rinsing with warm salt water. Mix 1 teaspoon of salt with 180 ml of water, stir until dissolved. Tilt your head back and gargle. Salt water can dislodge food particles from the crypts and soothe the discomfort sometimes associated with tonsil inflammation.
Purchase oxygenating mouthwash. Oxygenating mouthwash contains chlorine dioxide and natural zinc compounds. Oxygen helps inhibit bacterial growth, making oxygenating mouthwash effective in treating and preventing tonsil stones.
Medical intervention
Discuss tonsillectomy with your doctor. A tonsillectomy is a relatively simple and effective procedure with low risk and a short recovery time. Sore throat and minor bleeding are the most common concerns.
Consider a course of antibiotics for severe or persistent tonsil stones. Various antibiotics like penicillin or erythromycin can treat tonsil stones but won't address the root cause, which is food particles trapped in the tonsils. The condition may recur, and antibiotics can also cause side effects. Most antibiotics also kill beneficial bacteria in the mouth and gut that help fight harmful bacteria.
Inquire about laser treatment. Deep tonsil tissues can be removed using lasers. The laser smooths the surface of the tonsils, eliminating crypts and pockets. However, this procedure is not without risks.
