“If you look at someone’s tonsils closely, they will have these little crypts [and crevices] in them. What can build up is old dead skin and bacteria,” explains James Clark, MBBCh, an instructor of otolaryngology at Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore. When food, bacteria, or other debris get trapped in the crevices, they harden and calcify into tonsil stones. (2) Show You can get tonsil stones without having tonsillitis — in fact, many people get tonsil stones very frequently. And usually tonsil stones are harmless, but in some rare cases, they can cause tonsillitis. (3) And that’s why you may notice those white spots and patches if you have tonsillitis. “You can have tonsillitis without actually having the presence of the stones and vice versa,” Dr. Clark says. Sometimes the retained food and debris lead to chronic halitosis (bad breath), he adds. The stones typically fall out by themselves, though some people scrape them out using a cotton swab, Clark says. RELATED: How to Safely Get Rid of Tonsil Stones When a person has a tonsil infection and there are stones, the stones are more likely to secrete pus, since that is part of the result of the tonsils swelling, according to Clark. You’ll get an accumulation of the dead immune cells that participated in fighting the infection, he says.  When you hear the word stones in reference to a health issue, your mind probably goes straight to kidney stones. However, another type of stone that people have often never heard of until their dentist explains the condition is tonsil stones. Some people are more susceptible to getting recurring tonsil stones than others, and they most commonly affect those who have chronic inflammation in their tonsils. Learn more about why you may be experiencing tonsil stones and what you can do to prevent them from becoming a reoccurring issue. Common Causes of Tonsil StonesYour tonsils are filled with nooks and crannies where bacteria can become trapped. As a result, the bacteria and debris combine to create a white pus formation in the pockets, and tonsil stones form when the trapped debris hardens. The most common causes of tonsil stones include:
Symptoms of TonsillitisWhile the main symptom of tonsillitis is inflammation and swelling of the tonsils, there are a few other symptoms to watch for if you think you are experiencing tonsil stones, including:
Preventing Tonsil Stones From FormingTonsil stones are most commonly found in those who experience chronic tonsillitis. The most effective way to prevent both tonsil stones and tonsillitis is to have your tonsils surgically removed. A tonsillectomy removes the tissues of the tonsils entirely, and in trade, eliminates all possibilities of further health issues with your tonsils. Undergoing a tonsillectomy typically leaves patients with difficulty swallowing and a sore throat for a few days to a week after the procedure. Once the patient is healed, they will no longer experience pain and discomfort from tonsil infections. Home Remedies and TreatmentsIf you have tonsil stones, they may reoccur regularly if you choose not to have your tonsils surgically removed. While there are a few preventative steps you can take to keep them from returning, surgical intervention will likely be necessary at some point in the future. Home remedies and treatments include: Improving your oral hygiene habits. Practice good oral hygiene at home, including cleaning the bacteria off the back of your tongue with a toothbrush when you brush your teeth. Quit smoking. Eliminate smoking or using other tobacco products that could be creating the bacteria in your throat that is causing you to have tonsil stones. Gargling with saltwater. Gargle vigorously with a saltwater rinse to ease throat discomfort and help dislodge stuck tonsil stones. Try dissolving ½ teaspoon of table salt in a cup with 8oz of warm water and gargle. Hydrate. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water to keep tonsil stones from forming. Water can also increase natural saliva production and help to change the chemistry in your mouth. Cough. Energetic coughing can help to loosen stones. Try coughing after first gargling saltwater when the stones have been loosened with liquid. Antibiotics. Antibiotics can help lower the bacteria count that plays a crucial role in the development and growth of future tonsil stones. Antibiotics should not be used as a long-term solution because they will not treat the underlying cause of the stones. When To Worry About Tonsil StonesSure, they may be uncomfortable and annoying, but how can you tell if your tonsil stones should receive professional attention? It comes down to the size and location of the stone, as well as your discomfort level. When in doubt, check-in with your dentist and discuss whether you should consider having your tonsils removed. If you experience chronic tonsil infections and tonsil stones, a tonsillectomy could be the answer to your recurring pains. You Might Also Enjoy... What to Do When You Lose A Crown Losing a crown can be a serious situation that you want to address as soon as possible. We are here to give you a step-by-step guide on what to do if your dental crown comes out.
Why Is My Jaw Swollen? Jaw swelling can be uncomfortable and concerning. What are some common causes of jaw swelling, and what can they mean for your overall health? Is strep throat and tonsil stones the same?Tonsillitis and strep throat are common contagious illnesses of the throat that share symptoms. Although they can sometimes be caused by the same bacteria, they're technically different infections.
Can a throat infection cause tonsil stones?When you first notice your tonsil stones and they're small, you may be able to remove them with natural remedies. Bacteria and infection are the primary issues behind tonsil stones, so antibacterial and anti-inflammatory treatments may help to remove them.
What sickness gives you tonsil stones?People who have long-term tonsillitis are more likely to get tonsil stones. The only way to prevent them is to remove your tonsils. Good dental habits can help prevent tonsil stones. Brush and floss your teeth regularly to remove bacteria and keep things from getting stuck in your tonsils.
Does strep throat affect tonsils?Strep throat is an infection caused by a specific type of bacteria, Streptococcus. When your child has a strep throat, the tonsils are usually very inflamed, and the inflammation may affect the surrounding part of the throat as well. Tonsillitis is inflammation (swelling) of the tonsils.
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Can you get tonsil stones from strep throat
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