If you have a difficult time removing your tonsil stones at home or simply feel uneasy doing it yourself, then your dentist can remove them for you. Dentists typically remove tonsil stones by using a professional air or water syringe, or a simple tongue depressor.
Most people can use their tongue or a cotton swab to gently push against the tonsil to dislodge the stone. However, in some cases, the tonsil stone can become so stuck that the patient can't easily remove it. In these cases, you can come into the office and ask someone from our team to take a look.
If you have large and/or recurrent tonsil stones, you should visit a doctor for removal and to find the underlying cause.
However, there is insufficient data to tell whether poor dental hygiene is generally a risk factor for tonsil stones. People who do not brush their teeth or floss regularly may be more susceptible to tonsil stones. The bacteria that cause tonsil stones can also cause tooth decay, gum disease, and oral infections.
Tonsil stones are typically removed by an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, throat doctor) or a dentist. Occasionally, a general practitioner might be able to remove your tonsil stones. Do not try to remove a tonsil stone on your own. Using a Waterpik may only force a stone deeper into the tissues.
Will I need a tonsillectomy because of tonsil stones? In some cases, healthcare providers recommend a tonsillectomy — having your tonsils removed. This procedure may help if tonsil stones keep coming back or if they are causing repeated infections.
Poor oral hygiene, as well as tobacco use, can increase the likelihood of tonsil stones. But in other individuals, it's the structure of the tonsils themselves that makes them more prone to developing tonsil stones.
Tonsil Stones Are Not Necessarily Caused by Poor Oral Hygiene, but Practicing Good Care Can Help. A common misconception is that tonsil stones are caused by not practicing good oral hygiene. But the truth is that people who brush, floss, and take good care of their teeth and gums can still develop tonsil stones.
Tonsil stones are usually not dangerous, and don't always need to be removed, but they can cause bad breath, the sensation of an object being stuck in the back of the throat, or difficulty swallowing. In these cases, patients may want to get rid of them.
One of the most common ways people find out they have tonsil stones is by spotting these growths while looking in the mirror. “You may notice them when flossing your teeth,” Dr. Setlur says. But in other cases, tonsil stones are not visible to the naked eye.
Tonsilloliths or tonsillar concretions occur in up to 10% of the population, frequently due to episodes of tonsillitis. While small concretions in the tonsils are common, true stones are less so. They commonly occur in young adults and are rare in children.
Although dentists don't remove tonsils, there are a number of different procedures that can be done by your dentist or oral surgeon. These can include tooth extractions, pathology/biopsy, dental implants, exposing and bonding, bone/soft tissue grafting, crowns, veneers, root canals, and deep cleanings.
Most dentists specialize in orthodontics, which is the treatment of crooked teeth. However, some dentists remove tonsils, and many more can provide specialized care for children needing it. If your child needs a tonsillectomy, it is essential to find a dentist with experience with the procedure.
Halitosis: Bad breath is the most prevalent symptom of tonsil stones. Typically, the smell is sulfuric, like rotten eggs. Bad taste in mouth: You may experience a metallic taste in the back of the throat due to tonsil stones.
Sometimes, tonsil stones dissolve or dislodge on their own in a short time. They may last for weeks if the bacteria continue to grow. If untreated, tonsil stones may last for years.
How long do tonsil stones last? Tonsil stones may last anywhere from several days to several years. Most tonsil stones clear up in 1-3 weeks on their own. Large stones may remain on the tonsils for many years if not removed by a doctor.
Today, however, this once common procedure is no longer a standard operating procedure. Why? Dr. DeMarino says that, “There are fewer tonsillectomies due to skepticism in the medical community over its usefulness in infection control and more stringent guidelines.”
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.
Saliva helps push down debris and bacteria in the mouth, and you should, therefore, consider chewy foods that help increase saliva, like carrots and non-sugar chewing gums. You can also eat yogurt that has probiotics to help counteract the bacteria causing tonsil stones.
Tonsil stones smell bad for some, but others don't cause any symptoms. In most cases, they aren't of concern to your health. Some people may never get a tonsil stone, while others may get several a week without issue. Remember that just because you have bad breath doesn't mean you have tonsil stones.
We recommend that every morning and night you use mouthwash. Also try to avoid foods like popcorn, sesame seeds, and spinach. These have a high chance of leaving food particles stuck in your tonsils. Thus eventually forming tonsil stones.