Some medical diseases are connected with stone formation, the most common of them are kidney stones and gallstones. However, these are one of these hardened deposits. Tonsils are found in the back of the throat, one on each side. If you open your mouth wide and look in the mirror, you should be able to see them right behind your tongue. Their role is to help the body in fighting against infections by trapping bacteria and viruses that enter through your mouth or nose.
Tonsil stones, also known as tonsilloliths, are small, calcified materials that form within the tonsils’ crevices. These crevices, known as tonsillar crypts, can collect food particles, bacteria, dead cells, and mucus, which eventually calcify to produce these stones. These stones come in a variety of sizes, from small granules to bigger, more conspicuous bulk. In this article, we will look at tonsil stones’ symptoms, causes, and treatment.
Symptoms of Tonsil Stones
Tonsil stones often come with various symptoms which can manifest as different signs, in different people. These symptoms include:
- Bad breath, also known as halitosis, because of the bacteria on the stones.
- Your throat might be sore from the irritation.
- Sometimes, you might feel earaches because it is the same nerves that connect the tonsils and the ears.
- Cough.
- White or yellow spots on tonsils.
- A feeling of something stuck in the throat.
- Additionally, it can be hard or painful to swallow.
Causes of Tonsil Stones
The tonsils typically have crevices or pockets where things like food particles, bacteria, dead cells, and mucus can get trapped. Gradually, bacteria begin to grow on these trapped particles which will eventually lead to a slimy layer of bacteria called a biofilm.
Over time, the trapped particles and bacteria undergo a process called calcification, meaning these trapped particles harden due to the accumulation of minerals like calcium. This calcification process turns the trapped particles into small, hard tonsil stones.
Treatment for Tonsil Stones
There are a couple of remedies that you can try at home to help you relieve the pain of the stones in your tonsil pockets or crevices. The first home remedy is gargling salt water. Gargling with warm salt water can help dislodge tonsil stones and soothe a sore throat. Using tools like a water pick or cotton swab are effective ways to remove this. The water pick works by using water pressure to flush out the stones from the tonsil pockets. While cotton swab can be used to gently remove the stones from the pockets without further injuring the tonsils.
Furthermore, there are medical approach to treating tonsil stones. Sometimes, tonsil stones can lead to an infection overtime which calls for a prescription of antibiotics. A healthcare provider like a doctor, a nurse or a pharmacist can help you to manually remove the stones using special tools. In severe or recurrent cases, surgical removal of the tonsils (tonsillectomy) may be considered.
Note: In order to prevent this from occurring in the first place, make sure you brush regularly, use mouthwash at least once in a while, stay hydrated and lastly, avoid mouth breathing to prevent strange particles from entering the mouth.
Bottom Line
Tonsil stones are usually not dangerous, but they can be pretty uncomfortable. There are a couple of home remedies you can try to relieve you from the discomfort. This includes gargling salt water or using a water pick to remove them. If the stones are really bothering you or causing serious issues, you need to visit a pharmacy for an antibiotics prescription or even get it removed.
