Are Tonsil Stones Common: What Are Tonsil Stones? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
What are tonsil stones? Do tonsil stones require medical treatment? Learn about the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of tonsil stones.
What Are Tonsil Stones?
Tonsil stones, also known as tonsilloliths or tonsilliths, are small accumulations of debris that form in the crevices and pockets of the tonsils. These deposits are typically composed of a mixture of mucus, bacteria, dead cells, and food particles that become trapped in the nooks and crannies of the tonsils.
Tonsil stones are usually about the size of a small pebble or gravel, but they can range from being barely visible to as large as a golf ball in rare cases. They are usually soft but can harden over time, and they appear as light yellowish or white spots on the tonsils.
Symptoms of Tonsil Stones
Do tonsil stones cause any symptoms? The most common symptoms associated with tonsil stones include:
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Irritation or discomfort in the back of the throat
- The sensation of having something stuck in the throat
- Difficulty swallowing
- Sore throat
While tonsil stones are generally not a serious health concern, they can be a nuisance and may repeatedly grow back after removal. In some cases, larger tonsil stones can cause more severe symptoms like difficulty breathing or speaking.
Causes of Tonsil Stones
What causes tonsil stones to form? The primary factors that contribute to the development of tonsil stones include:
- Tonsil structure: People with “bumpy” or irregular tonsils are more prone to tonsil stones, as these crevices and pockets provide more places for debris to accumulate.
- Poor oral hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing can allow food particles, mucus, and bacteria to remain in the tonsils and harden into stones.
- Chronic sinus or throat infections: Inflammation and increased mucus production associated with chronic infections can increase the risk of tonsil stone formation.
- Smoking and dry mouth: These factors can also contribute to tonsil stone development by reducing saliva production and disrupting the natural clearing of the tonsils.
Diagnosing Tonsil Stones
How are tonsil stones diagnosed? In many cases, tonsil stones can be easily identified by visually inspecting the tonsils. A healthcare provider may use a small mirror or light to get a closer look at the tonsils and spot any visible stones.
In some cases, imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans may be used to confirm the presence and size of tonsil stones, especially if they are not visible to the naked eye or if the provider suspects the stones may be deep within the tonsils.
Treating Tonsil Stones
What are the treatment options for tonsil stones? In most cases, tonsil stones can be effectively treated at home using the following methods:
- Gently pushing out the stones with a cotton swab or your clean finger
- Using a water flosser or saline solution to flush out the tonsils
- Gargling with salt water to help dislodge stones
If home treatments are not effective or the stones keep recurring, a healthcare provider may recommend more advanced treatment options, such as:
- Prescription medication to reduce inflammation and pain
- Tonsil stones removal using specialized instruments or laser treatment
- Tonsillectomy (surgical removal of the tonsils) in severe or recurrent cases
Preventing Tonsil Stones
What can be done to prevent tonsil stones? While tonsil stones cannot always be prevented, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk:
- Practice good oral hygiene: Brush, floss, and use an antiseptic mouthwash regularly to keep your mouth and throat clean.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to maintain adequate saliva production, which helps flush out debris from the tonsils.
- Avoid smoking and dry mouth: These habits can disrupt the natural clearing mechanisms of the tonsils.
- Treat chronic sinus or throat infections: Addressing underlying conditions that cause inflammation and increased mucus can help prevent tonsil stone formation.
In some cases, if tonsil stones persist despite these preventive measures, a healthcare provider may recommend tonsil removal surgery (tonsillectomy) as a last resort.
Key Takeaways
Tonsil stones are a common, usually harmless condition characterized by the accumulation of debris in the nooks and crannies of the tonsils. While they can cause unpleasant symptoms like bad breath and throat irritation, they are generally not a serious health concern and can often be managed at home.
If you suspect you have tonsil stones, it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider to confirm the diagnosis and discuss the best treatment options for your individual case. With proper oral hygiene and preventive measures, many people are able to effectively manage recurrent tonsil stones and minimize their impact on daily life.
Tonsil Stone Causes
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What Are Tonsil Stones? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
Medically Reviewed
If you’ve ever spotted yellowish-white spots on your tonsils (the oval-shaped pads of tissue that sit on both sides of the back of the mouth that you’ll have to open wide and use a mirror to be able to see), you may have a very common problem known as tonsil stones.
These deposits, which are also called tonsilloliths or tonsilliths, can form, harden, and grow on and inside the tonsils. (1,2)
Tonsil stones are usually about gravel-sized, but they can also be quite small — sometimes even too tiny to be seen with the naked eye. In rare cases they can potentially grow to be as large as a golf ball or bigger if they grow for long periods of time. They’re usually soft but they can harden, and they are light yellowish or white in color. (1,2)
Usually these spots pose no serious risks to your health and often can be removed easily at home. These stones are not a sign of illness or disease, and they generally do not cause other negative effects on your health. (1,2)
They can, however, cause unpleasant symptoms, such as bad breath and discomfort in the back of the throat. They can also be a nuisance because they may repeatedly grow back after they’re removed. (1,2)
Here’s what you need to know about why tonsil stones form, symptoms they cause, and how to get rid of them.
Common Questions & Answers
Why do I keep getting tonsil stones?
Tonsil stones form in the crevices of the tonsils when food particles, bacteria, saliva, or other debris get trapped. A common factor that increases your likelihood of getting tonsil stones is the structure of your tonsils. People with smoother tonsils are less likely to get them, while people with bumpier tonsils are more likely.
How do I know if I have tonsil stones?
Tonsil stones look like small white or pale yellow bumps on your tonsils. Usually they’re the size of gravel or slightly larger. They can smell foul and cause bad breath. Other typical symptoms include: sore throat, the sensation of something being stuck in the back of your throat, and problems swallowing.
What should I do if I have tonsil stones?
Most of the time tonsil stones are not a serious health problem and can be treated at home. You can usually push out tonsil stones with a cotton swab or your finger. If that method makes you gag, try using a water flosser to flush out the stones.
Do not use a sharp object to dislodge stones.
Do I need to see my doctor for tonsil stones?
If you can’t dislodge a stone yourself or if they frequently occur, talk with your doctor. Tonsil stones are usually not an urgent problem, but a medical professional may recommend various surgical options (such as a tonsillectomy or cryptolysis to smooth the surface of the tonsils) if symptoms are negatively affecting your quality of life.
What can I do to prevent tonsil stones?
While poor oral hygiene doesn’t necessarily cause tonsil stones, good oral hygiene is one of the best ways to help prevent the problem in the first place. Be sure to regularly brush and floss your teeth, and gargle water or mouth rinse frequently, too.
Signs and Symptoms of Tonsil Stones
Two common symptoms of tonsil stones are bad breath and discomfort. These symptoms, along with seeing white flecks in the back of the throat, are what usually send people to the doctor, leading to a tonsil stones diagnosis, says Aaron Thatcher, MD, a clinical assistant professor of otolaryngology at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
“Some patients might see spots in their mouth, and some might have chronic sore throat or pain,” he says. “Others may see a doctor or dentist for bad breath.”
It’s also possible that you won’t experience any symptoms at all. “Tonsil stones may be very common,” says Dr. Thatcher. “But in some people, they may be small and buried so deep that they might not see them.” This is one reason why doctors think the condition is underestimated, Thatcher notes. (2)
Some typical symptoms of tonsil stones include: (1,2,3)
- Persistent bad breath
- Pale yellow or white gravel-sized bumps on your tonsils
- Sore throat
- Discomfort and a sensation of something being stuck in the back of your throat
- Problems swallowing
If you see swelling, inflammation, bleeding in your tonsils, any asymmetry (if one side is bigger, looks different from the other, or is more painful), experience ear pain, or you have trouble swallowing or have a sore throat that lasts for more than a month, be sure to see your doctor because these symptoms may be signs of a more serious illness such as strep throat, tonsillitis, or even cancer.
(1,2,3)
Learn More About the Signs and Symptoms of Tonsil Stones
Causes and Risk Factors of Tonsil Stones
In some people, the surface of the tonsils is more irregular than smooth, with crevices and pockets commonly referred to as “crypts” that are deep enough to trap food particles, bacteria, saliva, and other debris. “Food, plaque, cellular debris such as skin cells and the lining of the mouth all collect in the pits and crevices,” says Jennifer Setlur, MD, an otolaryngologist at Massachusetts Eye and Ear in Boston. Over time these materials become impacted and may eventually develop into stones. (1,2)
Tonsil stones tend to cause bad breath because the bacteria in the growths make them smell extremely unpleasant. (1,2)
There’s a common misconception that having tonsil stones means you have poor oral hygiene. But it’s usually not the case; the way your tonsils are shaped is a bigger factor. The reason that people with more crypts are usually more likely to develop growths is because those crevices allow food and debris to build up.
(1,2) “It has to do with the structure of tonsils,” says Thatcher.
It should be noted, though, that poor oral hygiene can indeed contribute to the development of tonsil stones, and brushing, flossing, and gargling water in the back of your throat regularly are important ways to help prevent the problem. (1)
Learn More About Causes of Tonsil Stones
How Are Tonsil Stones Diagnosed?
If you see growths on your tonsils that look like they may be tonsil stones, or if you have chronic bad breath (halitosis) or throat discomfort that won’t go away despite vigilant brushing, flossing, and gargling water, you should see your doctor for further evaluation and discuss your treatment options, says Eric Kezirian, MD, MPH, professor of clinical otolaryngology at the Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California in Los Angeles.
Your primary care provider may refer you to an otolaryngologist (sometimes referred to as an ear, nose, and throat doctor, or ENT) for diagnosis and treatment, notes Helena Yip, MD, assistant professor of otolaryngology at Banner University Medical Center in Tucson, Arizona.
A specialist likely wouldn’t need to conduct any additional tests if they see the white, pearl-like growths in the back of the throat, Dr. Yip says. “They wouldn’t be mistaken for anything else.”
Duration of Tonsil Stones
Getting rid of a tonsil stone can be very quick if you’re able to remove it yourself at home. They become a more cumbersome problem if they are difficult to remove or continue to show up.
If you start getting stones regularly, there is no set amount of time or frequency that the condition can affect someone. Some people may develop tonsil stones once or twice over years, while others may get them several times a week. They can appear as flares that last for a short period of time, or they can persist for years, says Dr. Kezirian. (2)
For most people, practicing good oral hygiene and following your doctor’s orders for managing tonsil stones quickly when they show up can help minimize the inconvenience they can cause, says Kezirian. If stones become more chronic and a bigger burden, there are surgical treatment options you can discuss with your doctor, such as removal of your tonsils, which will permanently prevent recurrence of tonsil stones.
Treatment and Medication Options for Tonsil Stones
Since tonsil stones are not a serious health problem and are generally not harmful, your doctor will probably recommend preventive measures to clear them out periodically and reduce your symptoms. If they’re not bothering you, and you’re not noticing unpleasant symptoms, your doctor may advise you to leave them alone, Yip says. (1,2)
In most cases, tonsil stones can be managed at home. Some people prefer to push these objects out themselves using a cotton swab or their finger. If that poses a problem because it triggers your gag reflex, using a water flosser usually allows you to flush out the stones may be a better option. (1,2)
Both Thatcher and Dr. Setlur recommend using a water flosser for tonsil stone removal because it’s effective and safe and doesn’t cause gagging. If you decide to use something else to dislodge the stones, do not use anything sharp (such as toothpicks or pins) to do so, Setlur says.
Using these types of tools can cause injury to the tonsils or bleeding.
Medication Options
Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or an anti-inflammatory medication such as a corticosteroid for tonsil stone flares, but these medications would only be used to help clear up an episode of stones and should not be prescribed for long-term use, Kezirian says. “These medications can help decrease swelling and make the crypts less shallow.”
Surgery Options
Another option for removal of tonsil stones is surgery. However, doctors generally do not recommend a tonsillectomy to treat tonsil stones unless a patient’s life is severely impacted in a negative way by the tonsilliths. (1,2,3) Frequent tonsil stones may also increase your risk of tonsillitis (an infection of the tonsils), which could be another reason for considering a surgical option to deal with serious cases, according to Kezirian.
Such surgical options to treat tonsil stones include:
- Tonsillectomy This is surgery to completely remove the tonsils, which means that the stones cannot grow back.
While a tonsillectomy is the most effective way to prevent tonsil stones from forming, there are potentially serious risks to be aware of when considering this option. For one thing, a tonsillectomy requires general anesthesia, and it can involve a great deal of pain that may last for weeks, says Thatcher. And, as with any surgery, there is a risk of bleeding and infection. (1,2) - Laser Tonsil Cryptolysis In this procedure, surgeons use a laser to get rid of tonsil crypts to prevent tonsil stones from forming. (4)
- Coblation Cryptolysis In this procedure, surgeons use radiofrequency energy and saline to remove tonsil crypts and crevices. Because surgeons are able to do this procedure at a lower temperature than with laser tonsil cryptolysis, there is lower risk of certain complications. (5)
While a tonsillectomy is the most effective way to prevent tonsil stones from forming, there are potentially serious risks to be aware of when considering this option. For one thing, a tonsillectomy requires general anesthesia, and it can involve a great deal of pain that may last for weeks, says Thatcher. And, as with any surgery, there is a risk of bleeding and infection. (1,2)Both methods of cryptolysis require only local anesthesia — unlike tonsillectomy, which is done under general anesthesia — so they may result in less pain afterward and faster recoveries.
(4,5)
However, a review published in 2017 concluded that there’s not enough evidence yet to show that coblation cryptolysis is safer or better tolerated in patients or results in improved post-operative outcomes compared with other procedures, such as tonsillectomy or laser tonsil cryptolysis. (6)
Learn More About Treatment for Tonsil Stones: Medication, Surgery Options, and More
Prevention of Tonsil Stones
While poor oral hygiene is not the only reason tonsil stones develop, keeping your mouth clean and free of any food particles or bacteria plays an important role in preventing tonsil stones from showing up. Be sure to:
- Brush your teeth and floss regularly. Keeping your mouth clean and removing food particles can play an important role in preventing tonsil stones from flourishing by reducing the amount of materials and bacteria in your mouth that may contribute to tonsil stone growth. Brush your teeth after meals, as well as in the morning after you wake up and before bed. Floss daily. (1,2)
- Gargle water. In addition to brushing your teeth and flossing regularly, gargling water in the back of your throat after eating (as well as after brushing teeth and flossing) can also help clear away debris and food particles to prevent buildup of material that leads to tonsil stones, Setlur says. (1,2) Avoid gargling with mouthwashes that contain alcohol, which may cause irritation and lead to swelling in the area in which the tonsil stones occur. Gargling with salt water may provide additional benefit by helping reduce any swelling in the area and preventing buildup of food or other materials, Kezirian says.
Floss daily. (1,2)Lifestyle choices can affect tonsil stone formation, too. To help prevent stones you can also:
- Stop smoking. Anything that causes inflammation in the mouth or throat, such as smoking, can irritate the tonsils, which can set the stage for worsening of crypts and increased risk of tonsil stones.
- Avoid sugary drinks. Steer clear of beverages that are high in sugar, such as juice and sodas, as they may act as a nutrient source for bacteria, helping it accumulate in the tonsils, Kezirian says.
Steer clear of beverages that are high in sugar, such as juice and sodas, as they may act as a nutrient source for bacteria, helping it accumulate in the tonsils, Kezirian says.Complications of Tonsil Stones
In some cases, tonsil stones may increase your risk of tonsillitis (inflammation or infection of your tonsils). And in rare cases, if the growths are very large, they may cause breathing or swallowing problems. (7)
But otherwise tonsil stones rarely cause complications.
Research and Statistics: How Common Are Tonsil Stones?
Tonsil stones can occur in anyone who still has their tonsils, regardless of age or gender. But an individual’s likelihood to develop tonsil stones may change over time, meaning that someone who once regularly got tonsilloliths may get them less frequently, or vice versa. That’s because tonsils can develop more crypts as we reach adolescence and into young adulthood, and then become smaller and less prone to tonsil stones as we age, Setlur explains.
(1,2)
There is a lack of data evaluating how many people are affected by tonsil stones, largely due to the fact that in many cases, individuals may not realize they have them. Some people with tonsil stones never experience symptoms and may not seek medical attention. Even when tonsil stones are diagnosed, the condition is rarely serious, which explains why few researchers study them, Thatcher notes.
The research that does exist suggests tonsil stones may be very common with prevalence rates having been estimated to range from 25 to more than 46 percent. (8,9)
Resources We Love
Favorite Orgs for Essential Tonsil Stones Info
ENT Health
This site from the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation is a one-stop shop for everything ear, nose, throat, head, or neck related. You’ll find information about how your tonsils help keep you healthy, and a variety of tonsil problems that can occur. We especially love the “Find an ENT” feature, which makes it easy to find a specialist near you.
PBS Nova
Watch a two-minute video from the PBS show Nova to see what a tonsil stone looks like, how common they are, and what you can do to get rid of them.
Favorite Orgs for Essential Dental Health Info
American Dental Association (ADA)
ADA is a professional organization of dentists that seeks to advance the oral health of the public. You can find out about recent dental health research news, dental hygiene products recommended by ADA, dental health education and training, and more. Use the Find-a-Dentist feature on the site to connect with a provider near you.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Keeping your mouth clean and debris-free is one way to prevent tonsil stones from developing. This CDC fact sheet reviews the basics of maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding other oral health problems.
MouthHealthy
MouthHealthy features information about dental and oral health and is produced by the ADA for the general public.
You’ll find information about dental health for specific age groups, dental visits, brushing your teeth, and more.
Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking
- Tuesday Q and A: Self-Care Steps May Help Prevent Tonsil Stones from Returning. Mayo Clinic. October 14, 2014.
- Tonsil Stones Might Be Causing Your Bad Breath. Cleveland Clinic. June 1, 2020.
- Balaji Babu B, Avinash Tejasvi ML, Anulekha Avinash CK, Chittaranjan B. Tonsillolith: A Panoramic Radiograph Presentation. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research. October 2013.
- Krespi YP, Kizhner V. Laser Tonsil Cryptolysis: In-Office 500 Cases Review. American Journal of Otolaryngology. September–October 2013.
- Chang CY, Thrasher R. Coblation Cryptolysis to Treat Tonsil Stones: A Retrospective Case Series. Ear, Nose & Throat Journal. June 2012.
- Pynnonen M, Brinkmeier JV, Thorne MC, et al. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. August 22, 2017.
- Alfayez A, Albesher MB, Alqabasani MA. A Giant Tonsillolith. Saudi Medical Journal. April 2018.
- Fauroux M-A, Mas C, Tramini P, Torres J-H. Prevalence of Palatine Tonsilloliths: A Retrospective Study on 150 Consecutive CT Examinations. Dentomaxillofacial Radiology. July 2013.
- Oda M, Kito S, Tanaka T, et al. Prevalence and Imaging Characteristics of Detectable Tonsilloliths on 482 Pairs of Consecutive CT and Panoramic Radiographs. BMC Oral Health. October 14, 2013.
A Giant Tonsillolith. Saudi Medical Journal. April 2018.Additional Sources
- Metcalfe C, Muzaffar J, Daultrey C, Coulson C. Coblation Tonsillectomy: A Systematic Review and Descriptive Analysis. European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology. June 2017.
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Removal of plugs from the tonsils – what is it and how is the procedure, types of plugs in the tonsils and methods for their removal
The palatine tonsils (tonsils) are a collection of lymphoid tissue located on either side of the entrance to the pharynx. They are an important part of the immune system and serve as a kind of barrier that prevents infection from entering the respiratory tract. The surface of the tonsils has a large number of folds (crypts and lacunae), which significantly increase the area of the mucous membrane. This is necessary to enhance the protective function of formations.
In some people, dead and living bacteria, leukocytes, waste products of microorganisms, and food debris accumulate in the depths of the crypts. The result is a plug that looks like a whitish or yellowish formation.
Why do throats get blocked
The main cause of congestion is chronic tonsillitis. As a rule, it is a complication of angina and occurs when the doctor’s recommendations are not followed, for example, if the antibiotic regimen is violated. Also, the problem may occur in the background:
- mechanical damage to the tonsils with food;
- individual features of the structure of the tonsils, as a result of which the process of their self-purification is disturbed;
- weakening of local immunity in the oral cavity, for example, against the background of dental diseases, smoking, etc.
What are the dangers of plugs in the tonsils
Plugs in the tonsils are not just an accumulation of pathological contents. They are a suitable medium for microorganisms, including hemolytic streptococcus. Microbes can exist for a long time in a filled crypt. A decrease in local immunity contributes to the development of the inflammatory process.
In this case, the infection can capture not only the tonsils themselves, but also other structures: the middle ear, the maxillary sinus, etc. That is why it is very important to remove the plugs in a timely manner. The sooner the patient turns to the ENT, the easier it will be to cope with the formations.
Signs of congestion in the throat
In most cases, plugs are clearly visible when examining the oral cavity. They look like light spots on the pink surface of the tonsils. The size of the formations can vary from 1-2 mm to a centimeter. In some patients, single plugs are detected, in others they cover almost all the tonsils. The arches, as a rule, thicken, and the tonsils themselves become loose and increase in size. With a significant number of formations, the patient also complains of bad breath. With the activation of the inflammatory process in a person, the temperature rises, there is a sore throat and discomfort during swallowing. The appearance of these symptoms requires the help of an ENT doctor.
Methods of treatment of chronic tonsillitis
Exacerbation of chronic tonsillitis is treated similarly to any inflammatory process in the pharynx and tonsils. The patient is assigned:
- antibacterial preparations;
- antiseptic sprays and rinses;
- anti-inflammatory and analgesics;
- fever reducers.
Depending on the situation, the treatment regimen can be supplemented with physiotherapy, drugs to stimulate the immune system, etc. When the inflammatory process is eliminated, the question is raised about the removal of purulent plugs from the tonsils.
Methods for removing purulent and food plugs from the tonsils
Otolaryngologists use two methods for removing plugs: with a syringe and using the Tonsillor apparatus. In the first case, the doctor uses a regular syringe filled with water or an antiseptic solution. A special cannula (flexible tube) is put on his nose, which is brought to the problem area.
A jet of liquid is applied to the cork, the pressure of which washes out the accumulated pathological contents. The procedure is repeated until the surface is completely clean.
The device “Tonsillor” allows you to clean using ultrasonic waves. The working nozzle is made in the form of a small cup. It delivers ultrasound to the surface of the tonsil and immediately sucks the contents of the gaps. This technology allows you to quickly clean and further stimulate tissue regeneration. To date, Tonsillor is gradually replacing the classical technique.
Blockage Prevention
To reduce the risk of blockages on the tonsils, you must:
- carefully follow the doctor’s recommendations when treating angina;
- timely treat caries and other inflammatory diseases of the teeth and surrounding tissues;
- monitor oral hygiene;
- do not use other people’s toothbrushes, etc.
It is very important not to try to remove the plugs yourself.
Neither cotton swabs, nor toothpicks, nor fingers are suitable for this procedure. Such manipulations can injure the delicate tissue of the tonsil and cause a strong inflammatory process. It is better to contact an experienced ENT, who will choose the appropriate treatment method.
Tonsil plugs or tonsillitis: signs, treatment, consequences
Many people who have plugs in the tonsils do not even think about their presence and do not suspect that there are formations unknown to them in their throat. But is this really a problem? How to detect plugs in the tonsils, why do they form and can they somehow harm the body?
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Ilya Belov
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Getty Images
Tonsil plugs are white or yellowish formations that are located inside the tonsils. They can be of different sizes – very small or quite large. Depending on the composition, these corks can be very hard or quite soft.
In most cases, their appearance is not associated with any threat to health, but sometimes they cause swelling of the tonsils or provoke an unpleasant odor.
Do not self-medicate! In our articles, we collect the latest scientific data and the opinions of authoritative health experts. But remember: only a doctor can diagnose and prescribe treatment.
Why do plugs appear in the tonsils?
The appearance of plugs in the tonsils is associated with the structural features of these organs. Tonsils consist of lymphoid tissue, which forms numerous lacunae – depressions. Dead cells, microbes, and mucus can accumulate in these lacunae. In some cases, over time, the contents of the lacunae thicken and calcify, and the same plugs form. In some people, tiny numerous formations appear, in others rather large single plugs form.
Causes that may increase the likelihood of blockages in the tonsils:
- poor oral hygiene;
- large tonsils;
- chronic coryza;
- chronic tonsillitis.
Is it possible to detect purulent plugs on your own
Even if the plugs are quite large, it is almost impossible to notice them on your own. But there are some symptoms, paying attention to which you can suspect their presence:
- bad breath;
- sore throat;
- swallowing problems;
- earache;
- persistent cough;
- enlarged tonsils;
- yellow or white coating on tonsils.
These signs are most likely characteristic of large traffic jams, while small ones, the size of which is comparable to a grain of rice, will remain unnoticed for a long time and become an accidental find during an examination at the ENT.
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What can be done to prevent plugs in the tonsils?
If you have ever encountered plugs in the tonsils, then the chances are high that they will appear again and again. Are there any preventive measures? Doctors recommend adhering to the following rules:
- pay attention to oral hygiene and clean the tongue;
- rinse your mouth;
- Drink plenty of pure water throughout the day and stay hydrated.
How to get rid of plugs in the tonsils?
Most plugs are safe and do not even cause discomfort. However, in some cases it is better to get rid of them. There can be several ways: you can try to get rid of plugs in the tonsils at home or contact a specialist.
Gargle
Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle several times a day – in some cases, this procedure helps to remove blockages and reduce unpleasant odors.
Coughing up
Rarely, people find tiny plugs that fall out of the tonsils when they cough. Of course, we don’t force you to cough on purpose, but know that this process can lead to such consequences.
Manual removal
It is not recommended to try to pick out the plugs from the tonsils yourself – this can damage delicate tissues. Self-removal can lead to injury, inflammation and bleeding – problems that will take a lot of time to eliminate.
If the plugs are large, it is better to consult a doctor to remove them.
Cryptolysis of the tonsils
In addition, the doctor can offer different options for cryptolysis – cauterization – of the tonsils. For this, a laser or radio waves can be used.
Tonsil removal
Tonsillectomy is rarely used to deal with blockages in the tonsils, but in some cases, doctors do go for the removal of the tonsils. This method is suitable in especially severe cases, when all the others have shown to be ineffective.
Antibiotic prescribing
In some cases, doctors may recommend a course of antibiotics to help reduce the chances of a bacterial infection or suppress an existing one. This will not eliminate the traffic jams themselves and will not remove the cause of their appearance, however, it helps to improve the patient’s condition with discomfort.
What are the possible complications due to blockages in the tonsils?
Complications are rare but still possible.