Health is very important for us. Every part of the body has its own role which is interconnected to its functions. Like the throat which plays an important role in speaking and breathing. It also helps to pass food, liquid, and air. When there is any kind of inflammation with or without pain in the throat, it can cause discomfort due to tonsil stones. In the USA, around 10% of people are experiencing tonsilloliths. Today this blog helps you to know all the effective ways of tonsil stones removal at home without using any medications.
So, let’s start the blog with a brief overview of Tonsil stones!
A Brief Overview About Tonsil Stones
Tonsils are the lumps of tissues which are found on the back of the throat. It helps to protect from foreign particles which may cause infection. When calcium, bacteria, dead cells, mucus and food waste get deposited into these soft tissues of the body like in the tonsils, it becomes hard and is known as tonsil stones. The process by which these substances accumulate is called calcification.
These are the lumps which look like pebbles that get trapped in the corner of the tonsil. In the medical field, it is termed as tonsilloliths. It is not dangerous, however, it creates discomfort in the throat of an individual.
Symptoms
- Sore throat (painful)
- Bad taste in the mouth
- Pin in the ears
- Problem with swallowing
- Bad breath
- Cough
- Swelling in the tonsils
- White debris
Causes of Tonsil Stones
It is not a serious health problem and the reason for its occurrence is not cleared yet. There is a tiny fold (hole) or kind of crypt in which food and bacteria get collected. It is caused due to infection by micro-organisms, such as:-
Viral Infection
- Adenoviruses
- Influenza virus
- Para influenza virus
- Enteroviruses
Bacterial Infection
- Streptococcus
- Apart from these causes, poor oral hygiene is also a reason for tonsil stones.
Tonsil Stones Removal At Home and Other Medical Treatments: Effective Ways
There is no medical test conducted, it is diagnosed by its symptoms, imaging scan and the physical examination is done by a doctor. Tonsil stones can be treated in two ways:-
Best Home Remedies for Tonsil Stones
There are effective home remedies that can help to overcome tonsil stones. These natural remedies can be used at home which are as follows:-
1. Gargle
Gargling with warm salt water is an old traditional way to get rid of oral inflammation like sore throat. It can be done at home in the following ways:-
Fill a cup with warm water and add one teaspoon of salt and stir it.
- Now take a sip of this warm salty water.
- Tilt your head back and open your mouth and make a sound without swallowing that liquid for a few seconds. This will cause vibration in the back of the throat.
- Now spit that liquid and repeat if it is required.
It helps to remove stones from tonsils and it will also soothe your sore throat. It is advised for adults not for young children.
2. Cotton Swabs
It is another way to remove stones, however, there is a risk of injury. It can be done by adults only.
- It starts by moistening the cotton swab and try carefully to insert the swab near the back of the throat.
- Now try to sweep those stones gently because tonsils are enclosed by various blood vessels and injury may cause bleeding.
- While performing this, try to avoid touching the middle portion of the throat to prevent gag reflexes.
- Now rinse your mouth with warm water.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar Gargle
Now it is another gargling method which is done by using vinegar. Its acidic nature helps to break down tonsil stones. Its procedure is given below:-
- Take one cup of warm water put one tablespoon of vinegar and mix it well.
- Now do gargle with this mixture same as mentioned in gargle with salt.
- Repeat this thrice a day to dislodge the tonsil stones.
4. Drink Warm Liquids
Sore throat is the main problem with stone tonsils. Consuming warm soup, coffee, broths, and herbal tea with various ingredients may cause a protective layer over the mucous membrane. This will help to reduce tonsillitis.
5. Coughing
It can be a better option to remove tonsil stones without doing any harsh methods. Start with a gargle with the saline water, so stones can become soft. Now try to cough hard so it will help to displace tonsil stones and these will be uprooted from tonsils.
6. Non-Alcoholic Mouthwash
Sometimes these kinds of mouthwashes may be helpful in removing or losing tonsil stones. It also reduces bacterial infection which causes stones.
7. Low-Pressure Irrigator
It is an oral irrigator which is widely known as a water flosser. It is a low-pressure instrument used to displace tonsil stones.
- First of all, stand in front of the mirror.
- Now hold the irrigator and move towards the tonsils.
- Spray the stream of water from the flosser and this will go to the back of your throat.
- Be careful while dislodging the stones which may be wallowed or fall back to your throat.
8. Eating Cold Foods
You have heard lots about avoiding cold eateries but believe me this remedy may help you to get relief from throat pain.
You may eat ice cream, cold yogurt, smoothies, and other cold foods because it will cause numbness in the throat and reduce pain due to tonsilloliths.
Other Treatments
In case, if tonsils did not get removed from home remedies, then you should consult an ENT surgeon on certain conditions like pus discharge, bleeding, and enlarged tonsils.
Under these conditions, you should seek medical advice. There are some medical treatments to dislodge tonsil stones.
- Tonsillectomy: It is a surgery that is performed to eradicate the lumps of tissues.
- Cryptolysis: It is a laser treatment to remove tonsil stones.
- Antibiotics/Pain-reliever: A healthcare professional may administer pain-relief medicine or antibiotics to the patients.
Precautions
- Always gargle with warm and salty water after having food.
- Try to avoid hard foods which may scratch your throat and can cause inflammation and irritation.
- Voice gets affected after swelling in the throat, so try not to raise your voice. It may cause irritation.
- Avoid dry air that can cause irritation in the sore throat.
- Follow good dental habits by taking oral health.
- Before taking any medicine always consult a healthcare provider.
Conclusion
Ignorance of oral hygiene may cause tonsil stones and other oral-related problems. I hope after reading this blog, you get to know how tonsil stones are formed and what effective remedies of tonsil stones removal at home
After following these remedies, if tonsil stones and soreness are not going away, then you should seek medical advice from a healthcare expert. This is just an informative blog to provide information about tonsil stones and their home remedies.