Tonsil stones To prevent and eliminate tonsil stones, it is necessary to reinforce oral hygiene habits
But what is this condition? Well, they are small masses of tissue that are usually located at the bottom of the throat, right in the palatine tonsils. They are usually formed by the accumulation of food residues and bacterial growth.
over time they cause swelling, pain, a feeling of obstruction in the throat and halitosis problems.
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What you should know about tonsil stones
appear due to calcification of various substances in the folds of the palatine tonsils
They can be seen with the naked eye as a white or yellowish mass.
In any case, there are some clinical manifestations that allow us to suspect this problem. Among them the following stand out:
- Bad breath.
- Earache.
- Throat pain.
- Swollen tonsils.
- Difficulty swallowing food.
- Sensation of obstruction in the throat.
In most cases, tonsillitis pass on their own over time
It is a surgical removal of the tonsils, which is reserved only for those cases in which the stones do not disappear with other solutions. The process is outpatient, but can lead to postoperative bleeding. Therefore, it implies some care.
Measures to prevent tonsil stones should all be implemented together,
Reinforce oral hygiene
Without a doubt, proper oral hygiene habits play an important role in preventing tonsil stones. Both brushing and flossing allow the removal of bacteria and food residues that can affect the appearance of this problem.
He suggests brushing your teeth after all meals.
Use a tongue scraper
scalers stand out for their effectiveness in this task
Take care of food
others tend to increase the risk of infections, bad breath and deposits.
Such is the case of foods rich in sugar , which feed oral bacteria and lead to the production of acidic substances that affect the oral microbiota. Its abundant consumption increases the risk of stones, bacterial plaque and cavities.
Visit the dentist regularly
The ideal is that the consultations are repeated every 6 months,
How to remove tonsil stones at home?
Tonsil stones do not require specific treatment
In any case, when noticing its presence, some home remedies can favor its elimination. The options are as follows.
Rinse with apple cider vinegar
It has antimicrobial effects that favor the elimination of oral bacteria such as S. aureus.
In any case, it must be taken into account that it cannot be used in its pure state. The ideal is to dilute a tablespoon (10 milliliters) in a glass of warm water (200 milliliters). This is because its acids are associated with permanent damage to tooth enamel.
low pressure irrigator
the use of a low-pressure irrigator may be enough to detach them
oat supplements
Natural garlic and its derived supplements can help in the elimination of tonsil stones
Gargle with salt water
help reduce swelling and discomfort in the presence of tonsil stones
Cotton swab
Some people try to remove the tonsil stone with the help of a cotton swab. This option is usually valid when the stones are visible. However, you must be very careful, as it is a method that can cause injuries if applied aggressively.
It is advisable to moisten the swab a little before inserting it. If after a few tries the stone does not come off, it is better to stop.
Essential oils
Some essential oils, such as tea tree , clove , or thyme , have antimicrobial properties that help keep your mouth clean. Its application as a rinse is useful to combat the bacteria associated with tonsillitis. Still, caution should be exercised when using them.
On their own, they are irritating and can cause discomfort. Therefore, it is convenient to dilute about 8 or 10 drops for each glass of water. Once the gargle is done, the residue must be expelled.
Are there other ways to remove tonsil stones?
Beyond the remedies discussed, there are other methods used to remove tonsil stones. For example, it is possible to buy a special kit in pharmacies to remove tonsillitis by suction. Of course, you have to be guided on how to use it well to avoid injuries.
When stone formation is caused by an abnormal growth of bacteria in the mouth, your doctor may suggest antibiotic treatment . Also, if there is swelling, anti-inflammatories may be recommended. In any case, the use of medications must be only under medical prescription.
What is there to remember?
The presence of stones in the tonsils is uncomfortable and alerts the presence of bacteria and food residues. This often goes away with the implementation of good oral hygiene habits. However, due to the shape of the tonsils, some people may experience them on a recurring basis.
When remedies and self-care measures don’t work, your doctor may consider having your tonsils removed . Whatever the case, professional assessment is key to proper intervention.