You don't need to panic about recurring tonsil stones as they're usually harmless, but you should see a doctor (especially an ENT specialist) if they're frequent, large, cause persistent bad breath, pain, or swallowing issues, as this indicates a need for management, potentially addressing underlying causes like deep tonsil crypts or inflammation, with options ranging from better hygiene to treatments like laser cryptolysis or even tonsil removal (tonsillectomy) for severe, recurrent cases.
Why do I keep getting tonsil stones? If you get tonsil stones repeatedly, you probably have enlarged tonsillar crypts. Tonsillar crypts are folds that form and grow larger after each tonsil infection. If you have tonsillitis frequently, then you're more likely to get tonsil stones.
Studies have shown that oral bacteria may increase in number and unusual oral microorganisms maybe become more prominent during pregnancy. Excessive saliva, also frequently associated with pregnancy, or ptyalism gravidarum, 12 – 14 could be an additional contributing factor to increased tonsil stone formation.
A tonsil with a tonsil stone may look like it has a crack with a small, pebble-like mass wedged inside it. While tonsilloliths are generally harmless, they may occasionally cause discomfort such as a sore throat, feeling like there is something stuck in the throat, dry mouth, and bad breath (halitosis).
In some instances, tonsil stones can cause chronic tonsil inflammation or infection of the tonsils, called tonsillitis. People with a history of tonsillitis may be more susceptible to tonsil stones. Each time the tonsils are enlarged from infection, small holes tend to develop from the swelling.
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.
Processed foods: Highly processed snacks like chips and crackers tend to leave particles that are hard to remove from the mouth. These particles can get lodged in the tonsil crypts and contribute to stone development. High-starch foods: Pasta, bread, and potatoes can leave residue in the mouth.
Using diluted apple cider vinegar in place of saltwater is a great option to help dissolve the hard outer coating of the tonsil stones, making it easier to pop out. If saltwater isn't helping, try apple cider vinegar instead. Pro tip: Consistency is key!
Some people are more likely to develop tonsil stones than others. If you have frequent tonsil infections (tonsillitis), dehydration, or large tonsillar crypts, you're at greater risk. Tonsil stones are also more common in teenagers.
Gargle with salt water or a mouth rinse. Gargling cannot only prevent tonsil stones, but can also help dislodge them. Extract them with a specialized tonsil stone extractor. Tonsil stone extractors are plastic or metal devices composed of handles with ends shaped like doughnuts.
TheraBreath AktivOxigen serum targets the throat and tonsil area, which is the breeding ground of tonsil stones. Working together, these products safely destroy tonsil stones and help keep them from returning.
Most tonsil stones fall out on their own, but there are home remedies that can help speed up the process. You can gargle with warm salt water or apple cider vinegar to get rid of tonsil stones. Rinsing with alcohol-free mouthwash can also help remove tonsil stones.
One of the main causes is poor oral hygiene. If you don't regularly remove bacteria and debris from your mouth and tonsils through brushing, flossing, and rinsing, they can build up and contribute to the formation of tonsil stones.
Everest Tonsil Stone Mouthwash, Natural Alcohol Free Oral Rinse for Bad Breath & Dry Mouth Relief, Spearmint, 17 fl oz.
The 7-5-3 Rule, also known as the Paradise Criteria, is a guideline for deciding if a tonsillectomy is needed for recurrent tonsillitis, indicating surgery if a patient has: 7 or more episodes in the past year, 5 or more episodes in each of the past two years, or 3 or more episodes in each of the past three years, with each episode being significant (e.g., fever, exudates, missed school/work). This rule helps determine if infections are frequent and severe enough to warrant surgery, though individual factors can also influence the decision.
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.
Tonsil stones form when cracks (crypts) and holes appear in the tonsils, usually due to expansion and contraction during tonsillitis, often several years previously. They are usually in the top of the tonsil, hidden behind the flap of tissue in front of the tonsil. They can occur anywhere in the tonsil though.
Since it contains sulfur, people may liken the odor of these compounds to that of rotting eggs. Thus, bad breath. So, no matter how invested people may be in their oral care routine, this doesn't spare them from having persistent halitosis if their tonsils have stones within them.
Tonsil stones are made of calcium, bits of food, bacteria and dead cells. Small tonsil stones are common and usually don't lead to problems. Larger stones may lead to bad breath, a sore throat or the feeling of something stuck in your throat. Tonsilloliths are not the same as tonsillitis.
Some MyLupusTeam members with both lupus and Sjögren's disease have shared that they also have tonsil stones occasionally. Without enough saliva to lubricate your throat, food can become stuck — especially if you have lots of folds and pockets in your tonsils.
Yes, dentists can remove tonsil stones, especially small and visible ones. Tonsil stones (tonsilloliths) are hardened deposits that form in the crevices of your tonsils. While usually harmless, they often cause bad breath, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, or ear discomfort.
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.
Postnasal Drip or Sinus Congestion
Excess mucus from allergies or sinus conditions can contribute to tonsil stone formation.
Even if some people do take diligent care of their teeth and mouth, they will get stones because of the anatomy (the specific size and shape) of their tonsils. If the tonsils have a lot of crypts and crevices, they're more likely to have debris trapped in them and form tonsil stones than tonsils that are smooth.
TheraBreath controversies involve a 2023 product recall for yeast contamination in a kids' formula, scrutiny over its founder Dr. Katz's endorsements by the NAD for not clearly disclosing his role, and discussions about ingredients like sodium chlorite in adult formulas, raising questions about potential risks and the brand's claims versus scientific efficacy compared to other rinses like Listerine, according to FDA, BBB, and dental sources.