Are tonsil stones common. Tonsil Stones: Symptoms, Causes, and Effective Treatment Options
What are tonsil stones and how do they form. What symptoms do tonsil stones cause. How can tonsil stones be diagnosed and treated. Are there ways to prevent tonsil stones from recurring.
Understanding Tonsil Stones: Formation and Appearance
Tonsil stones, also known as tonsilloliths or tonsilliths, are small, yellowish-white deposits that form on and inside the tonsils. These peculiar formations develop when bacteria, food particles, dead cells, and other debris become trapped in the crevices of the tonsils.
Typically, tonsil stones are about the size of gravel, but their dimensions can vary significantly. Some may be so minute that they’re barely visible to the naked eye, while others, in rare cases, can grow to the size of a golf ball or even larger if left unchecked for extended periods.
The consistency of tonsil stones can range from soft to hard, and their color is usually a light yellow or white. It’s important to note that while they may look alarming, tonsil stones are generally harmless and do not indicate a serious health condition or disease.
How common are tonsil stones?
Tonsil stones are relatively common, especially among individuals with larger or more creviced tonsils. However, their prevalence is not precisely known as many people may have small tonsil stones without realizing it.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Tonsil Stones
While tonsil stones don’t typically pose serious health risks, they can cause several uncomfortable symptoms:
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Sore throat
- Difficulty swallowing
- Ear pain
- Feeling of something stuck in the throat
- Visible white or yellow spots on the tonsils
- Coughing
Do all tonsil stones cause symptoms? Not necessarily. In many cases, small tonsil stones may not produce any noticeable symptoms and can go undetected.
Causes and Risk Factors for Tonsil Stone Formation
The primary cause of tonsil stones is the accumulation of debris in the tonsil crypts. However, certain factors can increase the likelihood of their formation:
- Tonsil structure: People with larger or more creviced tonsils are more prone to developing tonsil stones.
- Poor oral hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing can lead to bacterial buildup in the mouth.
- Chronic sinus issues: Post-nasal drip can contribute to tonsil stone formation.
- Chronic tonsillitis: Repeated infections can cause tonsil inflammation and create more crevices.
- Dehydration: Insufficient water intake can reduce saliva production, which helps naturally clean the mouth.
Is there a genetic component to tonsil stone formation? While there’s no direct genetic link, family members may share similar tonsil structures or oral hygiene habits that could influence tonsil stone development.
Diagnosing Tonsil Stones: When to See a Doctor
In most cases, tonsil stones can be self-diagnosed by looking for visible white or yellow spots on the tonsils. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional.
Doctors can diagnose tonsil stones through:
- Physical examination of the throat
- CT scans or MRI in rare cases of very large stones
- Evaluation of symptoms and medical history
When should you seek medical attention for tonsil stones? If you experience severe pain, difficulty swallowing, or persistent symptoms that don’t respond to home remedies, it’s time to consult a doctor.
Effective Treatment Options for Tonsil Stones
The treatment for tonsil stones varies depending on their size and the severity of symptoms. Here are some common approaches:
Home Remedies
- Gargling with salt water
- Using a water flosser to dislodge stones
- Gently removing stones with a cotton swab
- Coughing to naturally expel stones
Medical Interventions
- Antibiotics for associated infections
- Laser tonsil cryptolysis to smooth tonsil surfaces
- Coblation cryptolysis, which uses radio waves to remove tonsil tissue
- Tonsillectomy in severe, recurring cases
Can tonsil stones be dissolved? While there’s no direct way to dissolve tonsil stones, certain mouthwashes and gargles may help break them down over time.
Preventing Tonsil Stones: Practical Tips and Strategies
While it’s not always possible to prevent tonsil stones entirely, several strategies can reduce their occurrence:
- Practice good oral hygiene: Brush twice daily, floss regularly, and use an antiseptic mouthwash.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps flush out debris from the mouth and throat.
- Quit smoking: Smoking can irritate the throat and contribute to tonsil stone formation.
- Manage sinus issues: Treat allergies and sinus problems to reduce post-nasal drip.
- Consider dietary changes: Reducing dairy intake may help some individuals.
How effective are these preventive measures? While they can significantly reduce the likelihood of tonsil stone formation, they may not eliminate the problem entirely, especially for those with naturally creviced tonsils.
The Impact of Tonsil Stones on Overall Health
While tonsil stones are generally harmless, they can have some broader health implications:
- Social impact due to bad breath
- Potential for recurrent tonsillitis
- Rare cases of large stones causing airway obstruction
- Psychological distress from persistent symptoms
Do tonsil stones affect the immune system? Tonsils play a role in the immune system, but small tonsil stones typically don’t significantly impact overall immune function.
Debunking Myths and Misconceptions About Tonsil Stones
There are several common misconceptions about tonsil stones that need clarification:
- Myth: Tonsil stones always indicate poor oral hygiene.
- Fact: While oral hygiene plays a role, tonsil structure is often a more significant factor.
- Myth: Tonsil stones are a sign of cancer.
- Fact: Tonsil stones are benign and not associated with cancer.
- Myth: Only adults get tonsil stones.
- Fact: Tonsil stones can occur in both children and adults.
Are there any long-term consequences of leaving tonsil stones untreated? In most cases, untreated tonsil stones don’t lead to serious health issues, but they can cause persistent discomfort and bad breath.
Understanding tonsil stones, their causes, and treatment options can help individuals manage this common condition effectively. While they may be a nuisance, with proper care and attention, the impact of tonsil stones on daily life can be minimized. Remember, if symptoms persist or worsen, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment.
Tonsil Stone Causes
9 Tips to Help Slow the Progression of COPD
Making lifestyle modifications and closely monitoring symptoms are just some of the things that can help prevent exacerbation of COPD.
By Becky Upham
How to Manage COPD in the Workplace
COPD can impact your ability to work. Here’s how to talk to your employer about COPD, ask for reasonable accommodations, and recognize when it might be…
By Colleen de Bellefonds
How to Protect Yourself From Wildfire Smoke
Wildfire smoke from Canada is posing a health threat to millions of North Americans. Learn how it can harm you and how to stay safe.
By Don Rauf
5 COPD Myths That Can Actually Make You Sicker
An estimated 16 million Americans have COPD, a progressive lung condition. But many misconceptions about this disease persist.
Getting the facts could…
By Beth W. Orenstein
What a Severe Asthma Attack Looks Like
People who have severe asthma attacks typically experience symptoms similar to those of milder attacks like coughing, wheezing, and breathlessness, but…
By Becky Upham
5 Quick Ways to Get Rid of a Stuffy Nose
You don’t have to put up with the pain and pressure of a stuffy nose. Here are five of the best ways to ease congestion — with or without a trip to the…
By Jennifer Warner
What Are Tonsil Stones? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
Tonsil stones form when bacteria, food particles, and other debris get trapped in your tonsils. One of the most common and irksome symptoms they cause…
By Katherine Lee
What Do Tonsil Stones Look Like?
Common tonsil stone symptoms include bad breath, irritation in the back of the throat, and small white or yellow bumps on the tonsils.
Here’s everything…
By Katherine Lee
Why You Keep Getting Tonsil Stones and How to Prevent Them
Why do you get tonsil stones? And what’s the best way to avoid getting tonsil stones in the first place? Oral hygiene plays a role, but the bottom line…
By Katherine Lee
Tonsil Stones Treatment: Home Remedies, Surgery
In many cases, tonsil stones can be removed safely at home. But some techniques to get rid of tonsil stones are much more likely to lead to gagging than…
By Katherine Lee
See All
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.
Show Less
By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
9 Tips to Help Slow the Progression of COPD
Making lifestyle modifications and closely monitoring symptoms are just some of the things that can help prevent exacerbation of COPD.
By Becky Upham
How to Manage COPD in the Workplace
COPD can impact your ability to work.
Here’s how to talk to your employer about COPD, ask for reasonable accommodations, and recognize when it might be…
By Colleen de Bellefonds
How to Protect Yourself From Wildfire Smoke
Wildfire smoke from Canada is posing a health threat to millions of North Americans. Learn how it can harm you and how to stay safe.
By Don Rauf
5 COPD Myths That Can Actually Make You Sicker
An estimated 16 million Americans have COPD, a progressive lung condition. But many misconceptions about this disease persist. Getting the facts could…
By Beth W. Orenstein
What a Severe Asthma Attack Looks Like
People who have severe asthma attacks typically experience symptoms similar to those of milder attacks like coughing, wheezing, and breathlessness, but…
By Becky Upham
5 Quick Ways to Get Rid of a Stuffy Nose
You don’t have to put up with the pain and pressure of a stuffy nose.
Here are five of the best ways to ease congestion — with or without a trip to the…
By Jennifer Warner
What Do Tonsil Stones Look Like?
Common tonsil stone symptoms include bad breath, irritation in the back of the throat, and small white or yellow bumps on the tonsils. Here’s everything…
By Katherine Lee
Why You Keep Getting Tonsil Stones and How to Prevent Them
Why do you get tonsil stones? And what’s the best way to avoid getting tonsil stones in the first place? Oral hygiene plays a role, but the bottom line…
By Katherine Lee
Tonsil Stone Causes
Tonsil stones form when bacteria, food particles, and other debris get trapped in the tonsils in the back of the throat. Usually poor oral hygiene doesn…
By Katherine Lee
Tonsil Stones Treatment: Home Remedies, Surgery
In many cases, tonsil stones can be removed safely at home.
But some techniques to get rid of tonsil stones are much more likely to lead to gagging than…
By Katherine Lee
See All
Plugs in the tonsils 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?
Tags:
Ilya Belov
cold
oral hygiene
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.
ADVERTISING – CONTINUED BELOW
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 not even uncomfortable. 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.
Prescribing antibiotics
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 complications can occur due to blockages in the tonsils?
Complications are rare but still possible. One of the most common is an abscess, an infectious process that occurs inside the tonsils.
In this case, it is important not only to cope with the infection, but also to remove the plugs themselves.
Clogged tonsils – is it contagious?
No, you cannot infect someone with plugs in the tonsils – they cannot be transmitted by talking or kissing, and for their occurrence, a combination of a number of factors in the body of a particular patient is necessary.
What to do if there are plugs in the tonsils, how to remove them at home
Plugs in the tonsils are a common problem that everyone has encountered at least once in their life. Accumulating in lacunae, they can provoke discomfort, pain, and bad breath. We tell you how to quickly and safely get rid of them at home – look for the best ways in our material.
Tags:
Health
folk remedies
a sore throat
Getty images
Tonsilloids are calcified masses that accumulate in the palatine tonsils. They form when food particles, bacteria, and mucus enter the lacunae and clog them.
When the plugs accumulate, the tonsils become red and swollen, and an unpleasant odor appears.
If gaps are not cleared of plugs, complications may occur, such as swelling, sensation of a lump in the upper part of the throat, pain that gets worse over time, difficulty breathing.
How to remove plugs from the tonsils at home
If you notice that small accumulations have formed in the lacunae of the tonsils, and there is no time to go to the doctor, folk methods will help get rid of them. To safely remove plugs and prevent the spread of infection, use antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agents for disinfection.
ADVERTISING – CONTINUED BELOW
Vinegar rinse. Dilute apple cider vinegar in water and gargle with the resulting mixture. The acid in the vinegar will break up the buildup and clear the gaps.
Garlic. Studies have shown that garlic has antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties.
Regular consumption of garlic will help fight the spread of bacteria and infection in the throat.
Q-tip. If the plug is clearly visible, use a Q-tip to remove the build-up. Lightly press on the tonsil, as if squeezing a lump out of the gap. Do this carefully so as not to injure the tonsil and prevent the spread of infection. After gargling with an antibacterial solution or just salt water. This method is suitable for removing visible traffic jams.
Coughing. Sometimes you can get rid of traffic jams just by clearing your throat well. Success depends on the size and depth of the clusters.
Salt water. Research has shown that gargling with salt water is an effective remedy for congestion.
Yogurt. Regular consumption of yogurt with probiotics will help in the fight against bacteria that provoke the formation of plugs in the tonsils.
Apples. Although not scientifically proven, the acidity of apples is believed to help fight bacteria that cause tonsil congestion.
Carrots. Chewing carrots stimulates salivation and triggers natural antibacterial processes. The method is suitable for preventing the formation of plugs in the tonsils.
Bow Onions are believed to have strong antibacterial properties. Including it in the diet will help in the fight against plugs in the tonsils.
Signs of blocked tonsils
Most people are unaware of the presence of blocked tonsils. Tonsilloids can “come out” on their own during normal eating, drinking and during rinsing. However, if the pustules accumulate and increase in size, you will notice the following symptoms:
- white or yellow spots on the back of the throat, which may increase over time;
- bad breath;
- sore throat;
- swallowing problems;
- swelling of the tonsils;
- pain in the ears.
Precautions
When the plugs in the tonsils are large, cause excessive pain, or interfere with swallowing or breathing, medical attention should be sought immediately.