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.
If you have tonsil stones, these at-home remedies can help: 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.
Using a cotton swab, gently push on the tonsil, behind the stone, to force the stone out. Vigorous coughing and gargling can dislodge stones, as well. Once the stone is out, gargle with salt water, to remove any remaining bacteria.
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.
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.
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.
If you have a history of developing tonsil stones, the best way to get rid of them permanently is to remove your tonsils. Surgery to take out the tonsils is called a tonsillectomy. It is usually done as an outpatient procedure, so you don't have to stay overnight in the hospital.
Gently swishing mouthwash around your mouth can kill bacteria and loosen tonsil stones. This is another easy way to loosen tonsil stones.
Sometimes, tonsil stones dissolve or dislodge on their own in a short time. They may last for weeks if the bacteria continue to grow. If untreated, tonsil stones may last for years.
Pushing or Squeezing Out Stones
“There is risk for injury to the tonsil and bleeding,” says Setlur. “There is a risk for vascular injury.” Even using a finger or toothbrush could scratch your tonsils, so if you do try this method of removal, try using a cotton swab.
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.
Visible tonsil stones may look like a whitish lump on your tonsil. Some tonsil stones don't cause any symptoms. If you have symptoms, they may include: Bad breath — Tonsil stones can have a foul odor, making severe bad breath one of the main symptoms.
Gargle with warm salt water. This helps reduce swelling and relieve discomfort. Gargle once an hour with 1 teaspoon (5 mL) of salt mixed in 1 cup (250 mL) of warm water. Take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve).
Gargling with salty warm water is a good hack to soothe your painful throat and eliminate tonsil stones. The salt in the rinse makes the tonsil stone lose and helps it fall out. The salt can also prevent the further formation of stones.
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.
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.
Lemon juice is acidic and can help to dissolve tonsil stones. Squeeze the juice of a lemon into a cup of warm water and gargle for 30 seconds. Repeat several times a day until the tonsil stones are gone.
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.
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.
Also, avoid smoking and drinking alcohol, as they make your mouth dry and increase your risk of developing tonsil stones. Drinking a lot of water can help you hydrate and wash away any debris that may stick to your tonsils.
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.
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.