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.
Apple cider vinegar gargle
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Removing tonsil stones
In most cases, removing a tonsil stone can be done at home. 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.
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.
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.
Use an Oral Irrigator
They rely on pressured water and were first created to massage the gums. Start with the irrigator on low to prevent gagging and gently massage your tonsils in the area by the tonsil stones. This should loosen them up enough to suck them out.
Saliva helps push down debris and bacteria in the mouth, and you should, therefore, consider chewy foods that help increase saliva, like carrots and non-sugar chewing gums. You can also eat yogurt that has probiotics to help counteract the bacteria causing tonsil stones.
Stay away from sugared drinks likes sodas and a diet high in simple sugars because they are known to contribute to the development of tonsil stones. Try to stop smoking and drinking alcohol as much. Drinks with alcohol in it can leave your mouth dry which isn't good if you often experience tonsil stones.
Tonsil stones can also trigger infections that can be difficult to treat with antibiotics. Sometimes they are found incidentally on a scan or x-ray or during a dental examination. CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.
It can often be difficult to eat with tonsillitis as many foods can irritate your throat. The best foods to eat with tonsillitis are: Soft foods. Bananas, avocados, rice and mashed potatoes are all foods that you can enjoy without causing much irritation to your tonsillitis.
Rinse regularly using a mouthwash, gently swishing alcohol-free mouthwash around your mouth helps kill bacteria and loosen tonsil stones. Clean your tongue regularly by brushing or scraping it. Avoid smoking or using any tobacco products.
The Good News Is That Tonsil Stones Are Usually Not Harmful
While tonsil stones may be troublesome, they are generally not harmful. And they are not a sign of cancer or another illness.
When the bacteria and debris builds up, it forms tonsil stones in the crevices. The calcified stones can grow and multiply.
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.
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. Gargling after eating can also prevent food buildup.
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.
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.