Tonsil stones are caused by food particles, bacteria, and mucus getting trapped in small pockets on your tonsils. When this trapped material builds up, it can cause swelling and soreness.
Many people have tonsil stones removed when they become painful. Some complications caused by tonsil stones may include:. Bacteria and infection are the primary issues behind tonsil stones, so antibacterial and anti-inflammatory treatments may help to remove them.
Shop for apple cider vinegar , essential oils , toothbrushes , and dental floss now. Most of these natural remedies may only work on smaller tonsil stones or to help prevent them from occurring.
They may clear up or be removed in the normal course of eating, drinking, and good oral hygiene. However, if they increase in size, you may notice the following symptoms:. If your tonsil stones are large, causing you excessive pain, or are obstructing your throat or airway, you should seek medical attention. Trying to scrape them off with a cotton swab or your finger can sometimes make the infection worse. If this happens, you should seek medical attention. You should also see a doctor immediately if you have a combination of the following symptoms of possible tonsil cancer:.
Good oral hygiene can help prevent tonsil stones. Brush, floss, and rinse regularly. Also called tonsilloliths, tonsil stones are bits of debris that have lodged and hardened in your tonsils. See pictures and learn how to treat them. A peritonsillar abscess is usually a complication of tonsillitis or another bacterial infection. If you have tonsilloliths, try increasing your intake of the following foods. Your dentist may be able to help with manual removal, but if your situation progressed too far, you may need surgical intervention.
Complications of tonsil stones remain extremely rare, though in extreme cases abscesses can form. Additionally, extra large tonsil stones can damage tonsil tissue and require surgery. Brushing and flossing frequently and irrigating your mouth and tonsils with water.
For people who have chronic tonsillitis, tonsil stones may be a frequent occurrence. In those circumstances, the only way to prevent more tonsil stones is to have your tonsils removed. The time varies from several weeks to years. Sometimes issues with tonsil stones resolve on their own over time. However, if you ignore them and fail to make lifestyle changes, they can last for years. Book an appointment with the office nearest you. Our Jefferson Dental Content Committee supports our team by educational and informational articles related to what we do, oral care tips, and current events in our communities.
Our booking system is temporarily unavailable for a scheduled upgrade. Please call Optional: Show only orthodontic offices braces. About Us Careers Blog Press. Schedule Now. What Are Tonsil Stones? What Causes Tonsil Stones? What Are the Symptoms of Tonsil Stones? Take as much fluid in your mouth as you can. Gargle the mixture around the back of your mouth and throat. Spit out the mixture in the sink and rinse again with pure water. Some people also try to remove a tonsil stone with the back of a toothbrush.
As with a cotton swab, there is a risk of injury with this method. Never use this method with children, as there is a danger of them choking. Flip the brush over and use the nonbristled side to gently try to free the tonsil stone from the back of the throat.
Brushing the tongue as well as the teeth can help reduce the amount of excess bacteria in the mouth and prevent future tonsil stones from developing.
Tonsil stones usually dislodge themselves over time. A person may cough out a stone or feel it dislodge before swallowing it. However, if a person has a persistent stone that seems to be getting larger, they may wish to talk to a doctor. For an individual with frequent, irritating tonsil stones, a doctor may recommend a tonsillectomy, which is the surgical removal of the tonsils.
While the surgery is common in children, adults may experience significant bleeding and recovery times. A doctor usually only recommends a tonsillectomy if a person is experiencing significant pain, infection, or problematic halitosis as a result of their tonsil stones. If a person is unable to remove a tonsil stone with the home remedies listed above, they should not try to force the stone out with a sharp object, as this can cause bleeding. The area around the tonsils contains many blood vessels, so a person should not attempt to remove tonsil stones with toothpicks, pens, or safety pins, for example.
If a tonsil stone persists for several weeks, or if you have symptoms you feel are from tonsil stones, talk to a doctor. If you manage to remove a tonsil stone but still have pain, hoarseness, or bad breath, you should also see a doctor. A specialist called an ear, nose, and throat doctor usually deals with tonsil stones, but you can also start by speaking with your primary doctor. A doctor should decide on the best course of action for a child with tonsil stones or inflamed tonsils.
Trying to dislodge a tonsil stone in a child can cause choking. A person may require antibiotics and rest to treat an active infection. While tonsil stones are usually a minor irritation, they sometimes lead to infection and discomfort. Read the article in Spanish. Holes in the tonsils, or tonsillar crypts, can trap bacteria and become blocked with food and other debris.
Some infections can cause the tonsils to…. Tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils. It can result in inflammation, which causes a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and pus-filled spots on…. If a person has a sore throat, checking the tonsils can help to identify the cause.
Several conditions can cause white spots to appear on the tonsils…. Stones can sometimes form in the salivary glands of the mouth.
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