Gargling: Vigorous gargling using salt water has a few advantages. It helps your throat feel better, plus it can dislodge the tonsil stones. It may even get rid of the bad odor. This is particularly helpful when you gargle after eating to prevent food and debris from getting caught in the tonsil crypts.
Gargling with warm salt water may also be beneficial. Mix one teaspoon of salt with a cup of warm water and gently gargle for 10-15 seconds at a time. This may also help to soothe a sore, scratchy throat. Gargling with a diluted apple cider vinegar solution may also help to dissolve and dislodge tonsil stones.
Salt water helps to reduce inflammation and fight off bacteria that can contribute to tonsil stone formation. To make a saltwater gargle, simply mix a teaspoon of salt with a cup of warm water and gargle for 30 seconds, then spit out the water. Repeat this process several times a day until the tonsil stones are gone.
Gargle with salt water
Gargling with warm salt water may help dislodge tonsil stones. It is possible that gargling with salt water may also help stop stones from coming back, although there is no specific scientific evidence for this. Gargling with salt water may also help reduce bacteria in the mouth.
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.
Removing tonsil stones
Vigorous coughing and gargling can dislodge stones, as well. Once the stone is out, gargle with salt water, to remove any remaining bacteria. For larger stones that won't budge, or if you have symptoms of a tonsil stone but don't see one in your throat, it's time to consult a doctor.
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.
The best way to remove tonsil stones is with a solid oral hygiene routine. Rinse with mouthwash or warm salt water a few times daily, and this will typically remove the tonsil stones over time. If this isn't effective, you may need to have very large or bothersome tonsil stones surgically removed.
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.
Rinse your mouth with tap or drinking water after your salt water gargle. Repeat the entire process two to three times a day, as needed. Remember not to swallow the salt-water.
A tongue depressor is often used to dislodge larger tonsil stones; your dentist will apply pressure next to the tonsillith with the tongue depressor to dislodge it.
Tonsil Stone Treatments [At the Doctor + Dentist]
If your tonsil stones don't resolve within 1-3 weeks, it's time to seek treatment from your ENT, dentist, or healthcare provider. If gargling, coughing, and other home remedies don't work, your provider may recommend antibiotics or surgical removal.
If you have a history of chronic tonsillitis or other medical conditions that increase your risk of tonsil stones, you may need to take additional steps to prevent them. This can include avoiding certain foods, such as dairy products or sugary snacks, that can contribute to the formation of tonsil stones.
Anyone can develop tonsil stones, but recurring strep throat (tonsillitis), viral infections or sinus issues, poor oral hygiene, and the shape and size of your tonsils may put you at greater risk for developing them.
When stones form, you can remove them either by gently pressing them out with a cotton swab or the back of your tooth brush, or by washing them out with a low-pressure water irrigator. You can use this device to aim a gentle stream of water at the tonsil craters and rinse out debris that may be caught in them.
Removing tonsil stones at home is generally not recommended because tonsils are delicate tissues and bleeding and infection may occur if stones are not carefully removed.
Some people have tonsils that are characterized by deep pits and craters, commonly referred to as “crypts.” Tonsil stones can develop in these cavities when bacteria, food particles, saliva, mucus, and other debris build up and get trapped. “This material builds up because the crypts have a vase shape,” says Dr.
Quit smoking. Gargle with salt water after eating. Use a water pick to clean your mouth and help dislodge any tonsil stones. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
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.
Large tonsil stones can cause swollen tonsils and give you trouble swallowing. Tonsil stones can also sometimes trigger infections.
Pushing or Squeezing Out Stones
“There is risk for injury to the tonsil and bleeding,” says Setlur. “There is a risk for vascular injury.” Even using a finger or toothbrush could scratch your tonsils, so if you do try this method of removal, try using a cotton swab.
They may last for weeks if the bacteria continue to grow. If untreated, tonsil stones may last for years.
Tonsil tissue has small gaps in it. Tonsil stones form when bacteria and debris get stuck in those gaps and harden. Tonsil stones look like white or yellow pebbles on your tonsils. They can cause bad breath, a sore throat, a bad taste in your mouth, and ear pain.