Tonsil stones or medically referred to as tonsilloliths, are tiny white-like depositions that form in the crevices of the tonsils. This could be due to calcium salts accumulating in the rough terrain of the tonsils. The accumulation is usually named as “calcification”. So how does calcium salt get in there in the first place? The crevices and pockets of tonsils are particularly susceptible to small particles of food, bacteria, dead cells and other not-so-pleasant stuff that can calcify, or become calcium salts.
Once those form, you’ll experience a great deal of pain and discomfort from the tonsil stones. Tonsil stones are believed to be expelled when coughing or eating in which no medication or home remedy is needed. However, there are different ways of removing the deposits and below are some of them.
How to remove tonsil stones using home remedies
These are some of the ways in which one can eliminate tonsilloliths at home and they include the following:
Use of tongue or hard swallowing.
In this method, you use your tongue to thrush the tonsil stones by pushing them free while you swallow hard with the back of your mouth. This helps in loosening the stones. You can also drink water as you repeat the procedure several times before taking a rest.
Using a moist Q-Tip or Removing by the finger.
First and foremost wash your hand clean with soap and warm water, then using a mirror reach out for the tonsil stones under your tonsils in your throat either by your finger or a moistened Q-tip. By using either of them put pressure and move upward a little and slowly to allow the stones to come out then rinse your mouth with enough water.
Gargling salt water or taking beverages that are carbonated.
Add half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and gargle it three to four times a day. This is a less painful method of getting rid of tonsil stones as it helps by reducing bacteria and swelling relieving you from pain and sore throat. Alternatively, you can take carbonated drinks such as club soda or even seltzer water. This enables the loosening of the tonsil stones easing them out from your tonsils.
Using a soft-bristled toothbrush
To prevent further inflammation of your tonsils you should use a soft toothbrush to loosen or break up the stones by gently and slowly rubbing and massaging against them to avoid any abrasions which could only cause more harm and pain. Gargle salt water and check out if they have at least become loose. An electric toothbrush could be much more efficient if you have one, simply take the smooth back side of the brush and place it against your tonsils carefully making sure it doesn’t touch the stones and allow the vibrations work on the stones.
Medical Solutions and Treatments of Tonsil stones
Use of Antibiotics
One of the main causes of tonsil stones is bacteria, therefore, taking antibiotic drugs would help them disappear. The method will only be effective if your tonsils have really been infected. Even though the antibiotics help in removing the stones, you need to consider further treatment to avoid the tonsil stones from attacking you once again because this measure is always a temporary one.
Removing them by surgically
If the tonsil stones refuse to go away in that they are recurrent, very painful and are causing major discomfort and infection or they are large and swelling you may get them eliminated by having a surgery done by a professionally qualified doctor. The doctor simply numbs the affected region and scraps the stones out using the right tool.
Have a tonsillectomy is done
If you are prone to getting tonsil stone infections you may consider this method and have it done with once and for all. Here a qualified ENT [ear, nose, and throat doctor] would completely have your entire tonsils taken out and you will never experience tonsil stones again.
Other Popular Prevention Methods
Practicing good oral hygiene
Simply avoid the accumulation of bacteria in your tonsils by brushing using either toothpaste or mouth wash daily especially before going to bed at night.
Avoid breathing with your mouth open
This could cause dry conditions that would encourage the growth of given kind of bacteria which eventually cause the tonsil stones and you really wouldn’t like it once you are infected.