If your tonsillar crypts are enlarged, minerals such as calcium can become trapped, and calcify (harden) into stones. Bacteria or fungi that cause tonsillitis can also cause tonsil stones to form.
While tonsil stones may be troublesome, they are generally not harmful. And they are not a sign of cancer or another illness. Some people may become concerned when they see these deposits on their tonsils and may think they have a tumor or another illness, says Thatcher.
Poor oral hygiene, as well as tobacco use, can increase the likelihood of tonsil stones. But in other individuals, it's the structure of the tonsils themselves that makes them more prone to developing tonsil stones.
They can cause bad breath, a sore throat, a bad taste in your mouth, and ear pain. Or they may not cause any symptoms. Usually, tonsil stones can be treated at home. But large stones that cause pain or other problems may have to be removed by a doctor.
People who have long-term tonsillitis are more likely to get tonsil stones. The only way to prevent them is to remove your tonsils. Good dental habits can help prevent tonsil stones. Brush and floss your teeth regularly to remove bacteria and keep things from getting stuck in your tonsils.
This can include avoiding certain foods, such as dairy products or sugary snacks, that can contribute to the formation of tonsil stones. You may also need to use a nasal spray or other medication to manage post-nasal drip or acid reflux.
Causes of Tonsil Stones
Poor dental hygiene. Chronic mouth breathing (during the day or at night) Deep crevices (crypts) in the tonsils (where food particles can become lodged) Large tonsils.
Foods To Be Avoided
Alcohol and carbonated beverages must be avoided, as these beverages can cause intense pain, irritation, and burning sensation in the throat. Citrus fruits like oranges and lemons are acidic in nature, which may be too harsh on the throat and irritate the tonsils.
Vitamin D deficiency causes an increase in VEGF expression in the tonsillar tissue which plays a role in the pathogenesis of recurrent/chronic tonsillitis.
Untreated tonsil stones may lead to bacterial infections, including throat infections.
Tonsil stones are one of several ways in which solid material can build up in the body to form hard masses in soft tissue—the most well-known of these being kidney stones.
Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water can keep tonsil stones from forming. Water can also increase natural saliva production and help to change the chemistry in your mouth.
Gargling with diluted apple cider vinegar (ACV) may help dislodge and break down the materials in the tonsil stones. To make this mixture, a person can mix 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with 1 cup of warm water. Gargling with this up to three times a day can help loosen stones.
Because tonsils stones are composed primarily of bacteria, this is known to produce a foul-smelling sulfide. You will notice this both when the stone is in your tonsil and when it is dislodged and visible outside your body.
Tonsil stones are not a health risk, and often go away on their own. There is no specific treatment for tonsil stones, but you can manage any symptoms they cause, such as bad breath. Good oral hygiene is important.
Patients that have postnasal drip, allergies, or colds are more prone to the formation of tonsil stones due to the mucus in the back of the throat.
Tonsil stones usually take a bit of time to form and can be either very small, medium-sized, or very large. In fact, the largest tonsil stone on record is 14.5 cm, which is shy of six inches wide. However, most tonsil stones are small, and patients may not even realize at first that they have them.
The role of diets −Diets high in sugar may put an individual at higher risk of developing chronic tonsil stones. As bacteria feed off sugar and multiply exponentially with sugar as a food source, the excessive bacteria can colonize the deep tonsil crypts and thrive in the anaerobic environment.
If you have a difficult time removing your tonsil stones at home or simply feel uneasy doing it yourself, then your dentist can remove them for you. Dentists typically remove tonsil stones by using a professional air or water syringe, or a simple tongue depressor.
Yes, Sometimes Tonsil Stones Do Go Away on Their Own
“Your tonsils can change, becoming more cryptic [meaning they develop more crevices and pits] in the late teens and early twenties, and shrinking as we get older.”
In some cases, tonsil stones can lead to chronic tonsil inflammation or infection of your tonsils, called tonsillitis. But in many cases, they are simply a nuisance. If you have a history of developing tonsil stones, the best way to get rid of them permanently is to remove your tonsils.