How to Cure Tonsil Stones

A reference article on How to Cure Tonsil Stones

If you've been experiencing pain in your throat and difficulty swallowing, you may jump to the conclusion that you have tonsillitis. While this is possible, and a tonsillectomy may be required, it is also possible that you are suffering from what are known as tonsil stones or tonsilloliths, small white pieces of debris which can grow in the pockets of one or both tonsils. This article describes how to cure tonsil stones and get rid of these white globs in your throat.

Though the function of the tonsils is not 100% certain, most medical experts theorize that the tonsils are reprehensible, in part, for keeping bacteria out of the human body. Located on either side of your throat, the tonsils are like small pockets that are thought to be part of the immune system and may help to limit exposure to harmful substances. Unfortunately, the tonsils do not always perform their jobs well, and in some situations may become infected and require removal. In less severe cases, debris, including mucus and dead cells, can become trapped in the folds of the tonsils and cause the formation of large, hard white clusters known as tonsil stones. These stones are more common in those who have had multiple incidents of tonsillitis, and the most common presentation of the stones will be as several small formations, although a single massive tonsillolith is also possible.

There are a number of symptoms associated with tonsil stones, the most common being bad breath. Using a test for sulfur compounds, which are a leading source of bad breath, researchers have shown that in 75% of cases where severe bad breath is an issue, tonsil stones are also present. If you are experiencing severe halitosis that lasts for a long period of time, you may be experiencing the formation of tonsil stones. These stones are also known to cause a sore throat and difficulty swallowing, along with ear pain, as nerves are shared by both tonsils and the ear. In addition, you may see tonsil swelling if the stone becomes infected. Typically, these stones are detected through a combination of presenting symptoms, or by the presence of white debris in the back of the throat. This is not always a viable way to detect stones, however, as they can hide in the crevices of tonsils and may only be detected through an X-ray or CT scan.

Once a tonsil stone has been identified, there are a number of ways to treat it, beginning with simply letting it run its course, as many smaller stones will become dislodged on their own. You may also wish to try using picks or swabs to dislodge the stone, and a warm salt water gargle can help reduce the symptoms of a tonsil stone. If time or at-home treatments do not work, antibiotics are also a choice. While they can help reduce the number and size of tonsil stones, they cannot treat the underlying condition that often accompanies the condition ñ tonsillitis. In order to guarantee a tonsil stone never reappears, the tonsils must be removed completely.