In some cases, tonsil stones can go away on their own, says Setlur. “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.”
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.
Anything that causes inflammation in the mouth or throat, such as smoking, can irritate the tonsils, which can set the stage for worsening of crypts and increased risk of tonsil stones. Avoid sugary drinks.
If you are prone to tonsil stones, having your tonsils removed is the most effective way to solve the problem. If, however, you prefer not to do that, there are ways you can safely remove tonsil stones. There also are self-care steps you can take to help prevent them from coming back.
Large tonsil stones can cause swollen tonsils and give you trouble swallowing. Tonsil stones can also sometimes trigger infections.
Some people have tonsils that are characterized by deep pits and craters, commonly referred to as “crypts.” Tonsil stones can develop in these cavities when bacteria, food particles, saliva, mucus, and other debris build up and get trapped. “This material builds up because the crypts have a vase shape,” says Dr.
How long do tonsil stones last? 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.
They rarely cause serious health problems. Many people have tonsil stones and don't even know they have them. You can treat them at home. If tonsil stones keep coming back, you and your healthcare provider can discuss a more permanent solution.
Today, however, this once common procedure is no longer a standard operating procedure. Why? Dr. DeMarino says that, “There are fewer tonsillectomies due to skepticism in the medical community over its usefulness in infection control and more stringent guidelines.”
A tongue depressor is often used to dislodge larger tonsil stones; your dentist will apply pressure next to the tonsillith with the tongue depressor to dislodge it.
Doing so helps prevent bacteria from accumulating and forming the white spots that often signal the presence of tonsil stones. In addition, drinking plenty of water throughout the day will help flush out any bacteria present in your mouth before it has a chance to settle into your tonsils and form stones.
If you have a history of chronic tonsillitis or other medical conditions that increase your risk of tonsil stones, you may need to take additional steps to prevent them. This can include avoiding certain foods, such as dairy products or sugary snacks, that can contribute to the formation of tonsil stones.
For larger stones that won't budge, or if you have symptoms of a tonsil stone but don't see one in your throat, it's time to consult a doctor. Procedures for removing stubborn tonsil stones include: Saltwater gargles. Numbing your throat, so that the doctor can manually remove the stone.
We recommend that every morning and night you use mouthwash. Also try to avoid foods like popcorn, sesame seeds, and spinach. These have a high chance of leaving food particles stuck in your tonsils. Thus eventually forming tonsil stones.
Can dehydration cause tonsil stones? Not drinking enough water can lead to tonsil stones. This is because a dry throat can lead your body to produce more mucus, which can trap bits of food food and bacteria.
Anyone can develop tonsil stones, but recurring strep throat (tonsillitis), viral infections or sinus issues, poor oral hygiene, and the shape and size of your tonsils may put you at greater risk for developing them.
The best way to remove tonsil stones is with a solid oral hygiene routine. Rinse with mouthwash or warm salt water a few times daily, and this will typically remove the tonsil stones over time. If this isn't effective, you may need to have very large or bothersome tonsil stones surgically removed.
Many children have their tonsils removed between ages 3 and 7. "Tonsils usually shrink between the ages of 7 and 8.
Tonsil stones appear most often in people between the ages of 20 and 60. “Most patients who repeatedly get tonsil stones have large tonsils or repeated cases of tonsillitis,” Dr. Johnson says.
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. There are actually three types of tonsils in the mouth: Pharyngeal - The tonsil type found in the back of your throat.
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.
Dental hygienists can offer relief for patients with tonsil stones, also known as tonsilloliths. The tonsils offer many nooks and crannies that bacteria can use to thrive. The multiplying bacteria can become trapped, allowing mucous and dead cells to linger and form tonsil stones in the pockets of the tonsils.
Typically, the smell is sulfuric, like rotten eggs. Bad taste in mouth: You may experience a metallic taste in the back of the throat due to tonsil stones. Difficulty or pain when swallowing: When tonsil stones form, they can be accompanied by inflammation.