Have you ever experienced a tickle in the back of your throat that comes out of nowhere? How about bad breath that doesn’t seem to go away, no matter how often you clean your teeth?
You may be dealing with tonsil stones.
Tonsil stones are a common oral health problem that can lead to uncomfortable symptoms and chronic bad breath. The good news? There are ways to get rid of tonsil stones in the comfort of your home.
What are tonsil stones?
Tonsil stones, or tonsilloliths, are hardened deposits that develop when food particles, bacteria, minerals like calcium, and other debris, including dead cells and mucus,become trapped in the gaps of your tonsils. These formations often appear as small, white or yellowish pebbles nestled within the tonsils.
Anyone can develop tonsil stones, but they tend to occur in people with large tonsils or tonsils that have deep crevices. It’s important to note that tonsil stones are not connected to any tissues in the mouth. Rather, they become trapped in the folds of the tonsils.
Tonsil stones are generally not dangerous, but can cause symptoms such as a bad taste in the mouth, bad breath, discomfort when swallowing, earaches, or an ongoing cough.
How to get rid of tonsil stones
Many people are eager to get rid of tonsil stones because of their irritating side effects. In most cases, this can be done at home using items you probably have on hand.
Gargle with saltwater to help get rid of tonsil stones
A simple solution to help dislodge and remove tonsil stones is to gargle with saltwater. It can also help soothe any irritation caused by the stones. To do this, dissolve one teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water. After the salt is no longer visible, take a mouthful of saltwater, tilt your head back, and gently gargle for a few seconds. Repeat this process until the saltwater is gone.
Using diluted apple cider vinegar in place of saltwater is a great option to help dissolve the hard outer coating of the tonsil stones, making it easier to pop out. If saltwater isn’t helping, try apple cider vinegar instead.
Pro tip: Consistency is key! Gargle with saltwater or apple cider vinegar often to keep stones out of your tonsils.
Use a water flosser to get rid of tonsil stones
If gargling with saltwater isn’t doing the trick, it may be time to try a water flosser to get rid of tonsil stones. This is a great option if you can see the stones in the back of your mouth.
Start by adjusting your water flosser to the lowest setting to prevent any damage to the area. Aim the stream of water toward the stone or tonsil and let it run for about 20 seconds to fully flush it. If the stone doesn’t come out, take a break and try again after a few minutes. If you experience any pain or discomfort during the flush, stop immediately.
Pro tip: When irrigating your tonsils, lean forward over a sink. This ensures that any stones will fall into the sink rather than the back of your throat.
Cough to get rid of tonsil stones
If you feel a tonsil stone in the back of your throat, forcing yourself to cough may be all you need to dislodge it. Forcefully cough a couple of times to see if the stone will come out. This is a great option if you don’t have any tools nearby to help get rid of tonsil stones.
Use cotton swabs to manually get rid of tonsil stones
Although it’s not for everyone, using a cotton swab to gently press on the area around a stone to remove it is another way to get rid of tonsil stones. This is most effective when you can see the stone.
Take care of your teeth and oral health to prevent tonsil stones
Preventing tonsil stones from forming in the first place is the best way to keep your tonsils stone-free. It’s important to brush and floss consistently to remove excess bacteria from the mouth. It’s also a good idea to regularly clean your tongue to get rid of any food particles that can get caught.
Drinking plenty of water is also key in preventing tonsil stones. Water helps flush the tonsils and keeps them free of food debris, bacteria, and other particles that can cause tonsil stones.
Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol can also prevent tonsil stones from forming.
When to see a provider for tonsil stones
In most cases, tonsil stones can be managed at home. However, if they persist despite at-home remedies or cause discomfort, it’s best to consult a dental provider. They can offer additional treatment options and assess whether an underlying issue, such as a tonsil infection, is present.
Interested in more practical oral health tips? Check out “Oral Health Tips for Those Struggling with Mental Health Challenges”.