Tonsil stones are tiny lumps that form on your tonsils. These pebble-like lumps form when minerals, food particles and bacteria or fungi get trapped in small folds in your throat called tonsillar crypts, where they harden over time.
While the main symptom is bad breath, they can lead to other issues like a cough, sore throat or discomfort. A few common risk factors for developing tonsil stones include:
- Frequent tonsil infections
- Enlarged tonsillar crypts
- Dehydration
While tonsil stones are rarely harmful, you can remove them if they’re causing you discomfort.
At-Home Tonsil Removal
Tonsil stones often fall out on their own, but if they’re bothering you, there are a few simple ways to remove tonsil stones at home:
- Gargle warm salt water. Mix ¼ to ½ a teaspoon of salt with eight ounces of warm water and gargle the solution for 15-30 seconds. Spit the solution out after gargling and do your best to avoid swallowing.
- Push out with a cotton swab. You can use a cotton swab to push the tonsil stone out of your throat gently.
- Use a water pick. A water pick, usually used for flossing, can gently flush tonsil stones out. If the tonsil stones are relatively small, washing them down your throat is generally okay.
- Cough. Coughing forcefully can help dislodge the tonsil stones.
Professional Removal
If you’re unable to remove tonsil stones at home and they’re causing you significant discomfort, one of our ENT specialists can remove them. Before removal, over-the-counter pain medications can help ease any discomfort. If tonsillitis is causing your stones, antibiotics can help clear the infection.
If you develop frequent tonsil infections or tonsil stones, your ENT specialist may recommend a tonsillectomy to remove the tonsils.
Can I Prevent Tonsil Stones?
There’s no way to prevent tonsil stones completely, but practicing good oral hygiene, staying hydrated and not smoking can help lower your risk of developing them.
If your tonsil stones are bothering you or you suspect you have developed tonsillitis, contact Alpine Ear Nose & Throat PC to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.