Tonsillolith Remedy

Tonsilloliths, also known as tonsil stones, are small white lumps that form on the tonsils or in the back of the mouth. Eventually the stones loosen and are either swallowed or coughed up. Tonsilloliths are often very uncomfortable and they can often cause halitosis but are rarely harmful. Tonsil stones can be caused by an accumulation of dead white blood cells or various oral bacteria. Overactive salivary glands can also cause tonsilloliths, as can an abundance of mucus secretion.

Symptoms

• Smaller tonsil stones may not produce any symptoms but the larger clusters will tend to be easier to identify. Some symptoms of tonsil stones are a sensation of the throat tightening, a metallic taste in the mouth and coughing. Often those suffering from tonsilloliths experience recurring halitosis and tonsil infections. Other symptoms of more-developed tonsil stones are a sore throat, with accompanying white debris, and difficulty swallowing.

Diagnosis

• A visual examination of the throat can usually diagnose tonsilloliths. If a clear manifestation is not present in the throat, they can be detected on X-rays. It is possible for smaller tonsil stones to be present without symptoms or a clear visual manifestation.

Simple Home Remedies

• Asymptomatic stones require no treatment. Regular salt water gargling can often alleviate discomfort but will not always remove the stones themselves. It is possible to attempt to dislodge visible tonsil stones by using a moistened cotton swab to break the stone off of the throat. This can be a difficult method of treatment to attempt as it requires a strong gag reflex.

More-Advanced Home Remedies

• A more effective alternative to cotton swabs is using a high-pressure water pick. Aiming a water pick on a mid- to high-pressure setting directly at the stones can dislodge them from the tonsils. Caution must be used with any method attempting to physically remove the stones as tissue damage can occur. Another effective form of treatment is the use of a probiotic culture known as acidophilus. Acidophilus helps reduce the amounts of harmful bacteria and yeast in the mouth and can be purchased at most health-food stores.

Treatment by a Physician

• A doctor may prescribe antibiotics in an attempt to treat tonsilloliths, but the antibiotics will often not address the underlying cause itself, resulting in recurrences. If the stones become extremely large and symptomatic, surgery may be required to remove the stones. The procedure is relatively simple and noninvasive since a local numbing agent can be used and general anesthesia is not required.

Prevention

• Recurring tonsil stones are prevalent in those with recurring tonsillitis. The best way to prevent tonsilloliths from reappearing is to undergo surgery to remove the tonsils. Regular oral hygiene practices such as gargling with salt water and mouthwash can also prevent the formation of tonsil stones.