Tonsil Stones are one of the medical conditions that develop in the crevices of the tonsils. They are relatively small and hard formations that can compose bacteria, debris, and dead cells. For many people, tonsil stones are the main reason for their bad breath, and many don’t realize that they have it. Today, we are going to check out what tonsil stones are and learn about tonsil stones symptoms.
About Tonsil Stones
Small and hard formations that take form in the crevices of the tonsils are called tonsil stones. These stones can be bacteria, mucus, food particles, or even dead cells. Tonsil stones can grow over time if they remain unmanaged. Tonsil stones in each person can vary, and it depends on many factors. They can be relatively large formations or so small that you cannot even notice them. From a medical perspective, they are considered generally harmless, but over time, by growing, they affect the life of the person and create many problems like sore throat and bad breath. Let’s discuss Tonsil Stones’ causes and symptoms more.
Tonsil Stones
Tonsil Stones Symptoms
The symptoms of tonsil stones can be noticeable, unlike any other similar conditions. Especially when tonsil stones grow, the symptoms will show themselves even more and can cause discomfort for the person. The first symptom of tonsil stones is bad breath or Halitosis, which is very common. Moreover, tonsil stones can affect the throat, leading to several discomforts and making your throat sore. Additionally, if the stones get larger and larger, they can be problematic for swallowing and can cause discomfort while eating or drinking any food and liquid. Ear pain, yellowish debris, coughs all the time, metallic taste, and feeling of an obstruction in the throat are other Tonsil stone symptoms.
Tonsil Stones Causes
The real cause of tonsil stones is not very complicated. They form when debris and bacteria are trapped in tonsillar crypts. One of the reasons that debris and bacteria are trapped in these folds, called tonsillar crypts, is poor oral hygiene. It can lead to the formation of bacteria and eventually create tonsil stones. Moreover, some people are born with large tonsil crypts, which can trap bacteria and debris more easily. The overgrowth of bacteria and fungus is very dangerous, leading to the formation of tonsil stones. Dry mouth, use of smoke and alcohol, and bad sugary diets can easily give you tonsil stones, causing harm and discomfort.
Tonsil Stones
Tonsil Stones Remove
Tonsil stones can be removed both with medical and at-home options. They are not difficult to remove as you may think. If you want to proceed with safer and more reassuring medical options for tonsil stone removal, you should go to a healthcare provider. Then, the doctor, after the analysis, will do a manual removal or suggest a laser treatment called cryptolysis. There is also a less laser-featured treatment with low radiofrequency called “Coblation Cryptolysis”.
In this method, tonsil stones will be shrunk to get terminated. Tonsil stone removal is simple in general.
Tonsil Stones Smell
A consistent, strong, and unpleasant smell is one of the Tonsil Stones symptoms. The smell is very noticeable, and it may be discomforting even for the people around you. The bacterial activity of the tonsil stones is the reason behind this unpleasant Tonsil stone smell. Hence, you can easily overcome the bad smell of tonsil stones by having regular and good oral hygiene. Also, if you have tonsil stones already proceed with medical options and removal treatments to avoid the bad smell of the tonsil stones.
How Do I Get My Tonsil Stones Out?
Removing tonsil stones can also be done at home. For remedy options and in-door treatments of tonsil stones, you can start by putting good oral hygiene in your daily routine. Moreover, gargling with salt water for about 30 seconds and two times per day can shrink the tonsil stones and lead to their termination or removal. Water flossers, oral irrigators, and manually removing the tonsil stones with clean hands are also other options that you can use at home to get rid of tonsil stones. Overall, having tonsil stones is normal, but you should proceed with its removal as soon as you can.
Tonsil Stones
Are Tonsil Stones a Hygiene Issue?
Well, it cannot be said that tonsil stones are a direct result of poor hygiene. But bad oral hygiene is very linked to the matter. Good oral hygiene can prevent the formation of tonsil stones, killing bacteria and unnecessary stuff to keep your hygiene clean. Bacterial buildup, food debris, or food particles, specifically in the crypt area, are the main reasons for the formation of tonsil stones. So, in general, tonsil stones don’t come directly from bad oral hygiene. Nevertheless, they can be easily linked and considered as one of the symptoms of tonsil stones.
Risk Factors of Tonsil Stones
Having large or big tonsil crypts can cause tonsil stones. These people are easily targeted, with the bacteria getting trapped in those areas called crypts. Frequent inflammation or infections featuring bacteria are also a reason for people to have this problem. In addition, people who don’t respect their oral hygiene are more likely to experience tonsil stones. Smoking and alcohol can kill the good cells in your mouth and lead to a dry mouth, causing bigger pain or discomfort known as tonsil stones. So, always make sure to keep. You and every part of the body, especially the mouth clean.
Complications
Long story short, your breath and mouth will start a bad taste plus a bad smell, which are easily noticeable. Consistent coughs, sore throat, and trouble with chewing are the last things you will wish for since all of them can be discomforting and a pain in the neck! Additionally, since the nerves of the ears also share the same pathway, it can cause severe and unbearable ear pain, which won’t go away by itself if you don’t do anything for your tonsil stones.
Prevent Tonsil Stones
How to Prevent Tonsil Stones?
The prevention methods for tonsil stones are also simple and easy to do. Firstly, make sure to brush your teeth two or three times per day with fluoride toothpaste. Daily flossing can also overcome tonsil stones and prevent them. Also, with regular salt water gargling, you will easily kill all the bacteria and avoid any kind of tonsil stones. Gargling can be done 1 time per day if you are very worried about tonsil stones. But, 4 times per week will also do the work. Stay hydrated, always clean your tongue, and limit sugary foods and items. If you stay hydrated, your mouth won’t be dry to lead to tonsil stones.
Final Words
Tonsil stones, or those pesky little lumps that are stuck in the crannies of your tonsils, are one of the reasons that you may have bad breath. Many think that tonsil stones are harmless. But, over time, tonsil stones can raise more problems, making your life harder and unbearable. Advanced tonsil stones can even make eating and drinking a hard job since they can create swallowing difficulty. So, tonsil stones should be treated or prevented to avoid any difficulty or hardship that they can cause.
