Getting Rid of Tonsil Stones at Home
Tonsil stones are a common issue among the general population. In fact, around half of us have these, but most instances are harmless. However, there are times when they cause tickling sensations in the throat or cause bad breath. For those who are experiencing oral health issues because of them, there are ways to address the problem at home. Savage Smiles shares what you need to know.
What Are They?
When you look at the sides of our upper throat in the mirror and find whitish lumps, those are tonsil stones. These are calcified deposits that sit in the crevices of your tonsils, which formed from the food, bacteria, and minerals like calcium. In most cases, they are harmless. However, they can have effects like bad breath or difficulty swallowing if they’re big or numerous enough.
Signs of a Stone
Seeing the white deposits on your tonsils is a sure way to know if you have them. However, some can still be hidden because of our unique anatomies. If you’re experiencing the following symptoms, you may have them hidden in the crevices.
- Bad breath that doesn’t go away, even if you have clean teeth and tongue
- Unpleasant taste in the mouth that persists even after meals or mouthwash rinses
- Discomfort when swallowing, like something is constantly stuck in your upper throat
- Ear pain because of shared nerve connections
- Persistent coughing caused by the irritated throat tissue
Tips for Removing Them
Getting rid of them can be done at home. Here are a few best practices you can try from experienced dental care professionals.
Water Flossing Is Key
One of the most recommended ways to remove them is with a water floss. These are the devices that apply pressured water into your oral cavity to dislodge food and debris stuck between the teeth.
A water floss can also work well. Use the lowest setting to minimize irritation. Then point the nozzle at the stone or tonsil, and let the device run for 20 seconds. This should be enough time to flush the stone out. If the deposits don’t come out, try again after a few minutes. Don’t overdo it, as the prolonged pressure could lead to irritated tissue. To avoid swallowing them or the water, lean forward on the sink, so the water falls easily out of the mouth.
Cough To Dislodge Them
Water flossers may not always be available, or some stones are too hidden to easily flush out. Coughing can help constrict the throat muscles and dislodge a stone. You can also try forceful coughing before using a water floss for easier removal.
Gargle With Saltwater
Another easy method is to gargle with saltwater. The solution can help soothe the irritation while the mechanical movement of gargling helps dislodge the stones. Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, then tilt your head back as you gargle. That way, the solution reaches the tonsils and not just slosh around within the cheeks.
Apple cider vinegar can work as an alternative to salt. The acidic nature can help dissolve the surface layer of them, minimizing them and making removal easier. However, make sure not to overdo it with the apple cider, as it can also damage the enamel of the teeth when used too often. Use salt first, and if that doesn’t work, then move on to apple cider vinegar.
Cotton Swabs for Manual Removal
This tip isn’t suitable for everyone, as the gag reflex may be too strong. However, some people will find cotton swabs a sanitary method of manually removing visible ones. Don’t use your fingers, as the hard nails and bacteria present underneath can be harmful to the sensitive tissues.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
While some people are more predisposed to having this issue due to genetics, diet, and other factors, practicing good dental care habits usually helps manage the formation of these things in most individuals.
- Brush and floss regularly to remove excess bacteria in the mouth.
- Clean your tongue and gargle regularly to get rid of food particles that may serve as seeds for tonsil stone formation.
- Drink water to flush the mouth of food debris that encourages tonsil stones.
- Minimize alcohol and quit smoking.
- Visit your dentist regularly for regular checkups.
Should You Visit a Chandler Dentist for This?
They can be managed without having to visit a dentist near me. However, there are cases when home remedies are no longer enough, and they persist no matter what advice you follow. In such cases, visiting a dental practice can help.
Our dentistry procedures and experienced professionals can remove and get rid of tonsil stones, assess the underlying causes, and provide long-term solutions to help manage their reappearance.
For those in need of a Chandler dentist, Savage Smiles can help! Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
