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Tonsil stones are globs of foul smelling whitish/yellow material which form at the back of the throat. They are also called tonsillolith.
Tonsil stones are made of mucus and calcium layers. They are formed in small cavities present in the tonsils. Tonsil stones are not harmful, but they can be a nuisance.
Symptoms of tonsil stones
- Tonsil stones often create a sensation of a foreign body stuck in the throat.
- Bad breath is a common feature of tonsil stones. If you have chronic bad breath, you may be a victim of tonsil stones.
- Larger tonsil stones may result in sore throat, bad taste at the back of the tongue, tonsil swelling, etc.
Causes of tonsil stones
There are only theoretical reasons regarding formation of tonsil stones. Here are some
- Oral bacteria
- Dead white blood cells
- Mucus secretions
- Overactive salivary glands
- Residual of enzyme action on food stuck in the tonsils
Treatment of tonsil stones
Self treatment
Tonsil stones can be removed by the patient himself through various methods.
- A quick brushing with a toothbrush may remove surfaced tonsil stones.
- Another way to remove tonsil stones is by pressing a finger or cotton swab against the bottom of the tonsil and pushing upward. This can squeeze out the stone. Use an analgesic like Chloraseptic to suppress the gag reflex while removing the stone.
- To remove a stone without stimulating the gag reflex, simply flex the throat, raise the tongue to the roof of the mouth and swallow. This will cause the tonsils to tense up and may result in the tonsil stone popping out.
- A medicine dropper, especially one with a curved tip, can help to suck out the stones if they are small.
- To remove them painlessly, you can also try irrigating with warm salt water.Empty a nasal spray and fill it with warm water and salt and use it like an irrigator.
Sometimes, tonsil stones will naturally loosen from the tonsils with time.
Surgical treatment
- For large stones, an ear curette is used.. It comprises a long thin metal stick with a tiny metal loop at the end.
- Some other ways include using a crochet needle, a cotton swab, or an unfolded paper clip.
- A longer term cure is using a laser to clear out the stone.
- A tonsillectomy is usually not recommended, but will provide permanent relief.
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