Chronic Bad Breath? It Might Be Tonsil Stones—Here’s How to Get Rid of Them for Good
Learn how to treat tonsil stones with these simple remedies recommended by experts
No matter how well you brush your teeth or how many breath mints you pop, you can’t quite seem to shake that stubborn case of bad breath. What’s going on? Many things can cause bad breath, but one of the sneakiest culprits is something called tonsil stones. Studies show that 40 percent of people have had tonsil stones at some point, though it’s easy to write off the symptoms as something else. Keep reading to understand what tonsil stones are, symptoms to watch for and how to get rid of them quickly.
What are tonsil stones and how do they form?
“Tonsil stones are small, pebble-like lumps made from food debris, bacteria, dead cells and/or mucus that form in the pockets of the tonsils,” says Brynna Connor, MD, Healthcare Ambassador at NorthWestPharmacy.com. If these deposits get trapped in the tonsil folds, “over time, they harden and calcify into what are known as tonsil stones.”
It’s possible to have a tonsil stone and not even realize it. However, chronic bad breath, an unpleasant taste in your mouth, cough and difficulty swallowing can clue you into the condition.
Woman's World Answers
“Tonsil stones often go unnoticed, especially if they are small,” explains Dahlia Philips, MD, Medical Director at MetroPlus Health. “However, larger stones or multiple stones can cause a variety of symptoms, including bad breath, persistent sore throat, ear pain for some and white or yellow lumps in the tonsils themselves that may be visible during throat examination.”
How to get rid of tonsil stones at home
Tonsil stones can linger for days, weeks or even months in some cases. And while they can cause bothersome symptoms, fortunately, they’re not usually something to worry about, assures Dr. Connor.
“Typically tonsil stones aren’t considered dangerous because they’re created as part of the body’s immune response to trap debris lodged in the crevices of your mouth,” Dr. Connor explains. “In most cases, tonsil stones can be managed at home.”
Here, expert-backed suggestions to get rid of tonsil stones at home:
Use a water flosser
Using a water flosser is an effective way to get rid of tonsil stones quickly and easily. “Using an oral irrigator can help dislodge the stones,” explains Dr. Connor.
To get rid of tonsil stones using an oral irrigator, stand in front of a mirror and aim the water stream at your tonsils. It may be tempting to use high pressure, but it’s best to set the water pressure as low as possible to avoid causing further irritation. One affordable option with adjustable pressure settings: Bitvae C5 Cordless Oral Irrigator.
Gargle salt water
Dr. Connor says gargling with salt water is another great home remedy for eliminating tonsil stones. It can also help ease the sore throat symptoms that often come along with tonsil stones.
“Gargling with warm salt water can help to loosen tonsil stones and reduce discomfort,” explains Dr. Philips. “This also helps reduce bacteria in the mouth and throat. Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and gargle for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Do this several times a day—just like Grandma advised!”
Try a cotton swab
If gargling or flushing with water doesn’t do the trick, you can try manually removing tonsil stones with a cotton swab.
“Easily accessible stones can be removed using a clean cotton swab or a soft toothbrush to gently dislodge the stone,” says Dr. Philips. One word of caution: “This may be a challenge for those with a strong gag reflex.”
Tip: It’s important that the cotton swab or toothbrush is brand-new and clean in order to avoid introducing more bacteria to the site. If you aren’t able to reach the tonsil stones or touch them without triggering your gag reflex, you may want to visit your doctor for help.
Preventing tonsil stones with good oral hygiene
The best way to prevent tonsil stones is by maintaining good oral hygiene. “Lack of adequate dental and oral care can create an environment where debris and bacteria build up in the mouth,” explains Dr. Connor.
What exactly constitutes good oral hygiene when it comes to tonsil stones? “Brushing and flossing regularly, as well as using mouthwash, can help reduce the risk of tonsil stone formation by preventing bacteria and food particles from accumulating,” recommends Dr. Philips. “Regular visits with the dentist will also ensure good oral health and help prevent bacterial build-up.”
When to see a doctor for tonsil stones
Although tonsil stones are usually harmless, if you’re experiencing persistent sore throat, bad breath or other symptoms, you should visit your doctor. In rare cases, surgical removal may be necessary.
“Medical treatment for tonsil stones can be necessary when the stones are large and need to be manually removed by a healthcare professional, when antibiotics are needed to treat an infection or when a tonsillectomy [surgery to remove the tonsils] is warranted,” says Dr. Connor.
“You should see a doctor about tonsil stones when accompanied by severe pain or discomfort, persistent sore throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing, tonsil swelling or any signs of infection, like a fever or throat drainage,” she adds.
Conversation
All comments are subject to our Community Guidelines. Woman's World does not endorse the opinions and views shared by our readers in our comment sections. Our comments section is a place where readers can engage in healthy, productive, lively, and respectful discussions. Offensive language, hate speech, personal attacks, and/or defamatory statements are not permitted. Advertising or spam is also prohibited.
