What Are Tonsil Stones- and How do you get rid of them?

What are Tonsil Stones- and How Do You Get Rid of Them?

 

    

Tonsil stones, also called tonsilloliths, are areas of hard yellow-white calcification, located on or within the tonsils. Some people are aware of them but many people don’t even know they have them. They can range in size, and can cause the tonsils to swell or become infected. Patients main concern is that they often give off a bad odor, and cause bad breath.

Your tonsils are made up of crevices, tunnels, and pits called tonsil crypts. Different types of debris, such as dead cells, mucus, saliva, and food, can get trapped in these pockets and build up. Bacteria and fungi feed on this buildup and cause a distinct odor. Overtime the debris hardens. Tonsils stones are more common in patients with poor dental hygiene, large tonsils, chronic sinus issues or tonsillitis. Some symptoms of tonsil stones can include:  bad breath, difficulty swallowing, ear or throat pain, ongoing cough, swollen tonsils, or white or yellow debris on the tonsils. Here at Innovation Drive Dental in Vaughan, we have seen many patients who have tonsil stones and if they are easily accessible,  sometimes Dr Shulman or the hygienist can remove them during one of your routine procedures. But, it is a procedure that can often make patients gag and we find they are better to do it by themselves.  They often pop out of place just with a little bit of pressure. Patients that get them often should learn how to remove them at home.

 

Removing Tonsil Stones at Home

Q-tip Method

Using a Q-tip seems to make removal easier and more accessible than using your fingers. It also tends to block your view less than if you have your hand in your mouth, and is less likely to make you gag.

Firstly, wet the end of the q-tip (makes it more sticky to the stone) and press against the bottom of the stone trying to pop them out of place. Using a mirror and a flashlight can help.

Electric toothbrush or a Regular toothbrush

An electric toothbrush tends to work a little better due to the vibration. Try to get under the stone and loosen them out.  It is recommended to use a separate brush, or replacement brush head for this than the one you clean your teeth with.

Coughing 

Coughing may have removed some stones in the past that you didn’t know were there. You will need to cough quite hard with a cough and clear your throat method.

 

Prevention of Tonsil stones

Daily gargle with Apple cider vinegar or salt water can have an antibacterial effect on your throat and help prevent the buildup to bacteria in your tonsillar crevices. Tip your head back to ensure the solution reaches the back of your throat. Swish for about 15 second and spit out, and repeat. Rinse with water after. 

Keeping good oral health and staying hydrated is another way to prevent stones from developing. This includes cleaning the back of your tongue.

If all else fails, patients may need to prevent further tonsil stone by surgical treatment, either by  laser treatment or a complete tonsillectomy

Removing the deeper crevices in the tonsils using a laser can help prevent further build up. This is often done under local anesthetic by an ENT or Oral surgeon. A tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure done as an outpatient in the hospital.

If you are experiencing any symptoms of tonsil stones don’t hesitate to contact us for advice at Innovation Dental in Woodbridge/Vaughan or for an oral exam. We are always happy to help!