If you suffer from tonsil stones, small calcareous accumulations of debris that build up and lodge in the pockets of the tonsils, chances are you are in need of tonsil stones treatment.
The tonsils are gland-like structures in the back of your mouth which serve to fight infections by trapping bacteria and virus particles that pass through the throat. However, sometimes the bacteria they trap becomes lodged in the crypts of the tonsils and turns into hard, white lumps that are visible to the naked eye.
Although generally harmless, the stones (also called “tonsilloliths”) can be both irritating and painful, and tonsil stones treatment becomes necessary if their presence is chronic or interferes with swallowing or other functions.
For most people, treatment options for tonsilloliths are easy to do by yourself in the comfort of your home. One home remedy that many people with tonsil stones find successful is to simply pop the stone with a Q-tip or scrape it away gently with a toothbrush, clean fingernail, or swab.
Most tonsilloliths will easily be expressed or popped under light pressure and can be removed easily from the tonsil crypts. Another tonsil stones treatment option is to use a low-pressure pulsating jet of water to remove them. Spray the water directly at the tonsil pocket where the stones are lodged to wash them away. Be careful not to use a high-pressure setting, as this could damage the tonsil tissue by tearing it.
While at-home removals are usually successful at ridding tonsil stones from the mouth, throat, and back of the tongue, some cases are more severe and require the assistance of a physician. For instance, if the debris is located in an area of the mouth or throat that is difficult to reach or in a spot that is dangerous to poke around in, it’s best to let a professional remove the stones for you.
People who struggle with chronic tonsilloliths or who experience swelling or enlargement of the tonsils can undergo a “tonsillectomy,” in which the tonsils are removed completely to prevent further complications. If you’ve tried home remedies without success, you can visit this website to learn how to treat and remove tonsilloliths for good.