Understanding tonsil stones

Posted on September 5, 2024 in Healthy You

woman in dental chair with hand on cheek

If you notice a white or yellow lump on your tonsils, they may be tonsil stones. Fortunately, tonsil stones are not like the well-known and similarly named kidney stones. Although tonsil stones may be bothersome, they're usually harmless.

What are tonsil stones?

Tonsil stones, also called tonsilloliths, are small, hardened bits of debris trapped in the nooks and crannies of your tonsils. Your tonsils are located on both sides of the back of your throat, and they have pockets that can trap dead cells, mucus, food particles and bacteria. Over time, these substances can harden together and form pebble-like stones.

How do I know if I have tonsil stones?

Tonsil stones can be hard to detect, but your dentist will see them at your twice-yearly dental visits. In some cases, though, they will show some annoying signs and symptoms, including:

Bad breath: This is a common symptom, because the stones trap odor-causing bacteria.
Sore throat: The stones can scratch or irritate your throat.
Earache: Irritation from the stones can affect your ear.
Difficulty swallowing: Large stones can make swallowing uncomfortable.

At-home tonsil stone treatments

Fortunately, you can usually treat your tonsil stones at home. Here are some safe methods:

Warm salt water gargle: Mix half a teaspoon of table salt in a glass of warm water and gargle several times a day. This can help loosen and dislodge the stones.
Water flossing: A water flosser can gently dislodge tonsil stones by moving a stream of water at the back of your throat.

It’s important that you do not use sharp objects like your fingernail or a toothbrush to remove tonsil stones. This can cause more problems by irritating your tonsils and increasing your risk of infection.

Preventing tonsil stones

The key to keeping tonsil stones away lies in good oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily removes food and bacteria from your mouth, so they won’t be able to form stones. Also, regularly gargling with warm salt water after meals can help dislodge food particles that might get caught in your tonsils.

When to see a doctor

If your tonsil stones are large, uncomfortable or frequently come back, talk to your dentist or your personal doctor. They may recommend additional treatment options, such as antibiotics (if an infection is present) or, in rare cases, surgery.

Tonsil stones might sound scary, but they are usually a temporary bother and not a major health concern. By maintaining good oral hygiene, you can keep your breath fresh and your throat comfortable.

SOURCES:

Cleveland Clinic

Colgate