Tonsil stones, or tonsilloliths, are complex white and yellow formations in your tonsils. While they can be managed with home remedies, severe cases may require antibiotics or surgery. Let’s delve into their symptoms, treatment options, and prevention methods.
What do tonsil stones look like?
Tonsils have crevices, tunnels, or pits, also known as tonsil crypts. Bacteria, viruses, fungi, or other germs are trapped in these crypts to help the immune system fight the infection. However, along with germs and food particles, dead cells get trapped, and calcium starts building up, which causes tonsil stones. These are asymptomatic and usually have symptoms of bad breath, sore throat, troubles following ear pain, ongoing cough, swollen tonsils, fever, etc.
How to remove tonsil stone?
Tonsil stones can be removed through a range of home remedies and medical procedures, such as:
- Gargling
You can gargle with salt water, which will not only dislodge the tonsil stone but also cure throat discomfort and eliminate the odor that tonsil stones cause. Dissolve half a tablespoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water to gargle.
- Manual removal
You can manually remove these stones using a brush. However, this can harm the tonsil’s delicate tissues. It would be best to be gentle while removing them; otherwise, it can lead to complications, such as bleeding and infection. To fix the problem, doctors may recommend minor surgical procedures if the pain is extensive and the stones are quite large.
- Coblation cryptanalysis
It is a form of laser resurfacing that helps to smoothen the crevices of the tonsil where debris gets trapped. This procedure is performed using local anesthesia. At first, the procedure can feel uncomfortable, but it has a short recovery time.
- Tonsillectomy
It is a surgical procedure in which tonsils are removed using a laser, scalpel, coblation device, or laser. Doctors only recommend this process if the tonsil stones are severe and can cause chronic problems.
- Antibiotic
Doctors also recommend antibiotics, which can help manage the tonsil stone and reduce the bacteria count, which generally triggers the development and growth of the stone.
How to prevent tonsil stones?
If you want to prevent tonsil stones, then you have to maintain certain practices regularly:
- Be extra careful about your oral hygiene, especially at the back of your tongue, where your brush cannot reach,
- You have to quit smoking and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated,
- Along with that, try to gargle with salt water every day.
While not life-threatening, tonsil stones can lead to serious health issues as bacteria accumulate and the stones spread. It’s a common problem that requires the attention of a specialist. Don’t wait; consult an ENT at https://drkhliment.com.sg/tonsil-stone-removal-singapore-tonsillitis-treatment-surgery/ to get a treatment plan tailored to your needs. It is never an excellent option to delay a visit to the doctor, thinking that your disease is not causing a significant problem. Sometimes, minor negligence can be life-threatening. Even for minute health issues, it’s always the right option to get an appointment with a doctor and check it immediately to avoid complications.