You may have tonsil stones because of your previous cases of tonsillitis, poor dental hygiene, too much calcium, or significant hormonal changes.
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.
Vitamin D deficiency causes an increase in VEGF expression in the tonsillar tissue which plays a role in the pathogenesis of recurrent/chronic tonsillitis.
Tonsil stones form when this debris hardens, or calcifies. This tends to happen most often in people who have long-term inflammation in their tonsils or repeated cases of tonsillitis. Many people have small tonsilloliths, but it's rare to have a large tonsil stone.
Increase vitamin C: Increase eating and drinking foods rich in vitamin C, vitamin C can help remove tonsil stones. However, some cases of stones are too big, causing uncomfortable symptoms for patients, and need to be examined and treated at a medical facility with tonsillitis.
Probiotics: Eating yogurt and other foods with probiotics can help kill the bacteria in tonsil stones. Carrots: Chewing raw carrots naturally increases production of saliva, which can help reduce stones. Apples: Apples are acidic, which may help fight bacteria in tonsil stones.
Tonsil stones form in the crevices of the tonsils when food particles, bacteria, saliva, or other debris get trapped. A common factor that increases your likelihood of getting tonsil stones is the structure of your tonsils.
It's also possible for stress and anxiety to cause a constant lump in the throat that doesn't go away and may even cause a tiny bit of pain. Still, the most common cause of throat lumps is stress and anxiety, and many of those who suffer from anxiety symptoms or severe stress experience such lumps.
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. And if your tonsil stones keep coming back or are bothering you a lot, your doctor may recommend removing your tonsils. Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety.
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.
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.
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.
Preventing Tonsil Stones
Brush your teeth twice a day or after meals: Use an anti-bacterial toothpaste like Crest Pro-Health to better neutralize plaque and limit the spread of oral bacteria into the throat.
Yes - tonsil stones can trigger chronic tonsillitis, which can lead to Myalgic Encephalitis (M.E.) and chronic fatigue syndrome.
There are various factors that can predispose to chronic tonsillitis and therefore lead to tonsil stones. These include poor hydration, mouth breathing due to nasal blockage that causes dessication of the throat and tonsils, smoking, and acid reflux.
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.
A warm saltwater gargle helps with swelling and discomfort. Gargling can even help dislodge the stone. Try a gargle of 1 teaspoon salt mixed with 8 ounces of water. Use a cotton swab to remove a tonsil stone that's bothering you.
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.
Tonsil Stones Are Not Necessarily Caused by Poor Oral Hygiene, but Practicing Good Care Can Help. A common misconception is that tonsil stones are caused by not practicing good oral hygiene. But the truth is that people who brush, floss, and take good care of their teeth and gums can still develop tonsil stones.
Rinse regularly using a mouthwash, gently swishing alcohol-free mouthwash around your mouth helps kill bacteria and loosen tonsil stones.
Gargling with salt water is a known method of making your throat feel better, but it can also dislodge tonsil stones. The salt acts as an abrasive that shakes everything loose in the back of your throat. The salt can also change up the chemistry in your mouth which will reduce the further presence of tonsil stones.
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.”
Tonsil stones may last anywhere from several days to several years. Most tonsil stones clear up in 1-3 weeks on their own. Large stones may remain on the tonsils for many years if not removed by a doctor.