Have you ever experienced difficulty swallowing in combination with discomfort in the back of your throat? You may have been experiencing tonsil stones symptoms!
Tonsil stones are small, calcified deposits that form in the crevices of the tonsils and are made up of bacteria, dead cells, and other debris that can accumulate. In this blog post, we will share common tonsil stones symptoms, what exactly causes them, and ways to treat the issue (non-surgically and surgically). Keep reading below to learn more about tonsil stones symptoms, causes, and treatment.
Tonsil Stones Symptoms
If you are experiencing tonsil stones symptoms, it can be painful or just plain annoying.
Tonsil stones symptoms can include:
- Bad breath
- A feeling of something stuck in your throat
- Swelling in the tonsils
- Sore throat
- Difficulty swallowing
- And ear pain
Tonsil stones are often asymptomatic, meaning they do not cause any symptoms. However, when you are experiencing tonsil stones symptoms, they can range from mild to severe depending on the size of the stones and how many are present. Keep reading to learn what the causes are of these tonsil stones symptoms.
Tonsil Stone Causes
The main cause of tonsil stones is poor oral hygiene. When food and bacteria build up in the tonsils, they can form a hard, calcified deposit. People who have deep crevices in their tonsils may be more prone to developing tonsil stones.
Another cause of tonsil stones may be your diet. When you consume foods that are small enough to get caught in your tonsils, it may contribute to stone formation. Dry mouth, or reduced salvia production, can also lead to an increase in debris and bacteria accumulation in your tonsils.
Tonsil Stone Treatment
To prevent tonsil stones from forming, we highly recommend drinking plenty of water to help wash away debris and bacteria. It is also helpful to avoid certain foods that are small or contribute to mucus forming (for ex. dairy products and popcorn). However, sometimes these preventative measures aren’t enough, especially when you are prone to developing tonsil stones. Before turning to surgery, we recommend non-surgical treatments to remove tonsil stones.
Treatment for tonsil stones typically involves removing the stones. This can be done through a number of non-surgical methods, including:
- A water flosser to flush out the tonsil stones
- Antibacterial mouthwash can help reduce bacteria and clear out tonsil stones
- Gentle coughing may sometimes help dislodge tonsil stones
- Toothbrush or cotton swab utilized gently to push out the tonsil stones
- Applying a saline solution, or doing a salt water gargle, can help to loosen the tonsil stones
- A tonsil stone remover tool
- Decongestant sprays to help reduce inflammation
- Taking probiotic supplements to help balance bacteria in your mouth
If tonsil stones are causing persistent symptoms or if they are large and difficult to remove, a tonsillectomy (surgical removal of the tonsils) may be recommended.
How to Prepare for a Tonsillectomy
During a tonsillectomy, we will remove the two lymphoid tissues at the back of your throat, otherwise known as tonsils. This oral surgery is usually performed under anesthesia.
We will remove the tonsils and then ensure that bleeding is controlled through suturing, electrocautery, or other hemostatic agents.
Following the tonsillectomy surgery, we recommend that patients avoid strenuous activities and drink plenty of fluids. We may prescribe antibiotics and pain relievers to ensure a healthy recovery.
This is a common surgical procedure and most patients recover without issue.
Conclusion
It is important to maintain good oral hygiene to prevent the formation of tonsil stones. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day, and flossing daily. Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption can also help prevent tonsil stones.
For long-term pain in your tonsils, please contact our office at your earliest convenience. We would be honored to help you in your oral health journey at either our St. Louis Park or Bloomington, MN dentist locations.
