Tonsil stones, or tonsilloliths, are hard white or yellow formations that are located on or within the tonsils. Tonsil stones aren’t always easy to see and they can range from rice-sized to the size of a large grape. Tonsil stones rarely cause larger health complications. However, sometimes they can grow into larger formations that can cause your tonsils to swell, and they often have an unpleasant odor.
Your tonsils are made up of crevices, tunnels, and pits called tonsil crypts. Different types of debris, such as dead cells, mucus, saliva, and food, can get trapped in these pockets and build up. Bacteria and fungi feed on this buildup and cause a distinct odor. Over time, the debris hardens into a tonsil stone. People who have chronic infections or inflammation in their tonsils are more susceptible to tonsil stones. Some people may have only one tonsil stone, while others have many smaller formations.
Potential causes of tonsil stones include: poor dental hygiene, large tonsils, chronic sinus issues, chronic tonsillitis (inflamed tonsils), etc. Although some tonsil stones may be difficult to see, they can still cause noticeable symptoms. Symptoms of tonsil stones can include: bad breath, sore throat, trouble swallowing, ear pain, ongoing cough, swollen tonsils, white or yellow debris on the tonsil. These tonsil stones can be removed with natural home remedies.
Before we look into some of these remedies, keep in mind that prevention is always better than cure. Therefore, to ensure that your tonsils stay clear of debris make sure that you have a diet rich in probiotics.
If you have tonsil stones, they may occur on a regular basis. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent them. These steps include: practicing good oral hygiene, including cleaning the bacteria off the back of your tongue when you brush your teeth, stop smoking, gargling with salt water, drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated. Most tonsilloliths are harmless, but many people want to remove them because they can smell bad or cause discomfort. Try some of these natural remedies to treat tonsil stones in your throat.
1. Toothbrush
Try with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Push the bristles onto the tonsil stones and try to dislodge them. Some essential oils like myrrh, thieves oil, and lemongrass, have anti-inflammatory or antibacterial properties. These may be able to help reduce or eliminate your tonsil stones. Dilute the essential oil in a carrier oil and place one or two drops on a toothbrush before brushing the stones. Be careful not to scratch your throat. If that’s a concern, use a moist cotton swab instead. You might also have a medicine dropper or aspirator bulb handy. By depressing the bulb on either item and placing it over the tonsil stones, the suction created by these items could easily dislodge smaller stones. A water flossing device such as a waterpik can also be used to power wash the debris out of the tonsils.
2. Eating Certain Foods
Onions are believed to contain strong antibacterial properties. Including them in your diet may help prevent or eliminate tonsil stones. Garlic has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. It may combat bacterial growth and infection. Eating yogurt that contains probiotics may be able to counteract the bacteria causing tonsil stones. The acidic content of apples may help combat the bacteria in a tonsil stone. Chewing carrots helps increase saliva and the production of natural antibacterial processes. This may help reduce or eliminate your tonsil stones.
3. Gargle
Using a warm salt water solution to gargle, helps you get relief from the painful symptoms associated with tonsil stones. Saltwater gargles may also help relieve a sore, scratchy throat. It’s also a good disinfectant and tends to dry up excess mucus in your throat. Gargling with diluted apple cider vinegar (ACV) also help break down the materials in the tonsil stones. Drinking lemon juice regularly, which has high acidic and vitamin contents, will fight the calcified debris stuck in your throat.
Note: Consult a doctor if your symptoms worsen, or if none of these natural remedies solve the problem.