Tonsil Stones – What Causes Them, How They Develop, and How You Can Prevent Them

Tonsil stones are a common form of oral disease. If they aren’t treated, they can cause serious problems. Thankfully, there are treatment options that are available for these kinds of issues. Find out more about the causes, how they develop and how you can prevent them.

Symptoms

Tonsil stones are a collection of calcified material. These tiny clumps can be yellow or white in color and can vary in size and shape. Although they are difficult to spot, they can cause many unpleasant symptoms.

Tonsil stones are caused by bacteria that accumulate in the pockets of the tonsils. When these bacteria are left untreated, they can lead to an oral infection. They also can contribute to tooth decay.

The tonsils act as filters to trap germs in the mouth. However, some conditions increase the amount of germs in the mouth, including strep throat. This causes the tonsils to become swollen and inflamed. This can make it difficult for the tonsils to filter out food and mucus.

Tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure that can be performed if you have persistent problems with your tonsils. In the meantime, you can take steps to prevent tonsil problems. Talk to your doctor to learn more about your options.

Diagnosis

If you notice that you have chronic bad breath, you may have tonsil stones. These hardened deposits are made by bacteria and other debris. These hard deposits can form in the tonsils’ crevices and can lead to infections.

To prevent tonsil stones, brush your teeth after every meal and floss regularly. You should also rinse with alcohol-free mouthwash. You can use a water flosser to get rid of plaque and other debris that could be causing the problem.

A physical exam should help you determine if you have a tonsilstone. A dentist or otolaryngologist can detect the presence of these particles in your mouth. A medical professional can then recommend a treatment plan.

The appropriate treatment will depend on the size and pain of your tonsil stone. Large stones can sometimes be removed with surgery. But if you have a smaller, hard stone, you may be able to remove it with a cotton swab or dental pick.

Treatment options

Tonsil stones are a common health condition. They occur when food debris, mucus and other substances are lodged in the tonsils. They can cause bad breath, bleeding, sore throat and more. However, they are not contagious.

There are many options for treating tonsil stones symptoms. These include natural and surgical procedures. You may also want to try some home remedies. These are easy to do and can be effective.

Tonsil stones can be removed by using a mouthwash containing neutralizing bacteria. However, it’s important to avoid mouthwashes with alcohol. You could end up worsening your condition if you use the wrong kind of mouthwash.

Tonsil stones that are too large for mouthwash to remove may require surgical treatment. Some of the options available to you are laser tonsil cryptolysis and tonsillectomy.

A tonsillectomy is an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia. It is an effective treatment for chronic tonsillitis and can prevent the possibility of developing tonsil stones in the future.

Prevention

Tonsil stones may form in your throat as tiny, whitish particles. They can cause soreness and inflammation in your throat, as well as bad breath. Proper oral hygiene is the best way to prevent tonsil stone formation.

Tonsil stones can occur at any age. But they are most common in adults. You can get rid of them through regular flossing and brushing. You can also gargle with warm salt water regularly. Avoid smoking, sugary foods, and carbonated drinks.

It is a good idea for your teeth to be checked at least once per year. Your dentist will be able to examine your tonsils and determine if they are causing you problems. If they are deemed to be a problem by your dentist, he/she may recommend that they be removed.

Poor oral hygiene is often the cause of tonsil stones. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day. Use a non-alcohol mouthwash to rinse your teeth.