If you're experiencing bad breath, irritation, or can see a white-coloured dot at the back of your throat, you might have tonsil stones. It's rare to develop tonsil stones and even rarer to develop serious problems from them, so don’t worry. We're here to walk you through what exactly they are and what you need to know about them. Show
What Causes Tonsil StonesFirst off, how do you find your tonsils? Just look into a mirror (or camera on your phone), open your mouth, and say "ah" like you're at the doctor's office. You should have a great view of the back of your throat, and two glands called the tonsils. Surprisingly, the tonsils are part of your body's defence system. They act as ‘policemen’ and help to form antibodies to ‘germs’ that invade the nose, mouth and throat. The same layer of mucus that protects your mouth covers your tonsils to help them do their job. Around the tonsils are pits and crypts (small crevices) that sometimes get clogged with bacteria, food or other material. If this material gets stuck and hardens or calcifies, it can turn into a tonsil stone. Some people are more likely to develop tonsil stones than others, especially those whose tonsils are inflamed. Are They Causing Your Bad BreathBad breath, also called halitosis, is the most common complaint of those with tonsil stones. Tonsil stones smell bad for some, but others don't cause any symptoms. In most cases, they aren't of concern to your health. Some people may never get a tonsil stone, while others may get several a week without issue. Remember that just because you have bad breath doesn't mean you have tonsil stones. There are many causes of bad breath, and tonsil stones are among the less likely reasons. So don't jump to the conclusion that you have tonsil stones just because you've been told your breath smells. Other Tonsil Stone TroublesTonsil stones, also called tonsilloliths, can lead to a sore throat, swelling, or even difficulty swallowing. The stones vary in size, from barely noticeable to several centimetres large. The smaller they are, the less likely they are to cause problems. Doctors even removed one that was 3.1 x 2.3 cm large from a 45-year-old man. It's highly unlikely that yours are anywhere close to as large, so don't worry! If you're experiencing any severe symptoms, be sure to check in with a doctor. What You Can Do About ThemWe know that tonsil stones can cause stress, but remember, they don't require treatment in most cases. If you're still worried, we've got your back with some tips for treatment and prevention. How to help get rid of tonsil stones:
How to prevent tonsil stones:
If your tonsil stones are causing extreme discomfort, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or any other symptoms, be sure to talk to a doctor. If you have tonsil stones, take heart in the fact that they often require no treatment. You can minimise your chances of getting tonsil stones with easy steps like practicing proper dental hygiene, gargling with a salt-water rinse, and avoiding tobacco products. Luckily, these tips also help with any bad breath you might be experiencing.  When you hear the word stones in reference to a health issue, your mind probably goes straight to kidney stones. However, another type of stone that people have often never heard of until their dentist explains the condition is tonsil stones. Some people are more susceptible to getting recurring tonsil stones than others, and they most commonly affect those who have chronic inflammation in their tonsils. Learn more about why you may be experiencing tonsil stones and what you can do to prevent them from becoming a reoccurring issue. Common Causes of Tonsil StonesYour tonsils are filled with nooks and crannies where bacteria can become trapped. As a result, the bacteria and debris combine to create a white pus formation in the pockets, and tonsil stones form when the trapped debris hardens. The most common causes of tonsil stones include:
Symptoms of TonsillitisWhile the main symptom of tonsillitis is inflammation and swelling of the tonsils, there are a few other symptoms to watch for if you think you are experiencing tonsil stones, including:
Preventing Tonsil Stones From FormingTonsil stones are most commonly found in those who experience chronic tonsillitis. The most effective way to prevent both tonsil stones and tonsillitis is to have your tonsils surgically removed. A tonsillectomy removes the tissues of the tonsils entirely, and in trade, eliminates all possibilities of further health issues with your tonsils. Undergoing a tonsillectomy typically leaves patients with difficulty swallowing and a sore throat for a few days to a week after the procedure. Once the patient is healed, they will no longer experience pain and discomfort from tonsil infections. Home Remedies and TreatmentsIf you have tonsil stones, they may reoccur regularly if you choose not to have your tonsils surgically removed. While there are a few preventative steps you can take to keep them from returning, surgical intervention will likely be necessary at some point in the future. Home remedies and treatments include: Improving your oral hygiene habits. Practice good oral hygiene at home, including cleaning the bacteria off the back of your tongue with a toothbrush when you brush your teeth. Quit smoking. Eliminate smoking or using other tobacco products that could be creating the bacteria in your throat that is causing you to have tonsil stones. Gargling with saltwater. Gargle vigorously with a saltwater rinse to ease throat discomfort and help dislodge stuck tonsil stones. Try dissolving ½ teaspoon of table salt in a cup with 8oz of warm water and gargle. Hydrate. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water to keep tonsil stones from forming. Water can also increase natural saliva production and help to change the chemistry in your mouth. Cough. Energetic coughing can help to loosen stones. Try coughing after first gargling saltwater when the stones have been loosened with liquid. Antibiotics. Antibiotics can help lower the bacteria count that plays a crucial role in the development and growth of future tonsil stones. Antibiotics should not be used as a long-term solution because they will not treat the underlying cause of the stones. When To Worry About Tonsil StonesSure, they may be uncomfortable and annoying, but how can you tell if your tonsil stones should receive professional attention? It comes down to the size and location of the stone, as well as your discomfort level. When in doubt, check-in with your dentist and discuss whether you should consider having your tonsils removed. If you experience chronic tonsil infections and tonsil stones, a tonsillectomy could be the answer to your recurring pains. You Might Also Enjoy... What is Restorative Dentistry?Have you ever heard the term “restorative dentistry” and wondered exactly what it meant? If you need restorative dental work, you may want to seek out a dentist with extensive experience in that area.
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Is it good to remove tonsil stones?Pushing or Squeezing Out Stones
“There is risk for injury to the tonsil and bleeding,” says Setlur. “There is a risk for vascular injury.” Even using a finger or toothbrush could scratch your tonsils, so if you do try this method of removal, try using a cotton swab.
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What does it mean when you get tonsil stones
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