Because tonsils stones are composed primarily of bacteria, this is known to produce a foul-smelling sulfide. You will notice this both when the stone is in your tonsil and when it is dislodged and visible outside your body.
Symptoms of tonsil stones
Some tonsil stones don't cause any symptoms. If you have symptoms, they may include: Bad breath — Tonsil stones can have a foul odor, making severe bad breath one of the main symptoms. Sore throat or cough — Sometimes, tonsil stones can irritate the throat and cause a sore throat or cough.
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.
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. Difficulty or pain when swallowing: When tonsil stones form, they can be accompanied by inflammation.
Tonsil stones smell bad because they are home to anaerobic bacteria. These bacteria create sulfides, which give off a putrid smell.
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.
Using a cotton swab, gently push on the tonsil, behind the stone, to force the stone out. Vigorous coughing and gargling can dislodge stones, as well.
Even if some people do take diligent care of their teeth and mouth, they will get stones because of the anatomy (the specific size and shape) of their tonsils. If the tonsils have a lot of crypts and crevices, they're more likely to have debris trapped in them and form tonsil stones than tonsils that are smooth.
The most common causes of tonsil stones include: Bacterial infections. Viral infections. Streptococcus bacteria.
This can include avoiding certain foods, such as dairy products or sugary snacks, that can contribute to the formation of tonsil stones. You may also need to use a nasal spray or other medication to manage post-nasal drip or acid reflux.
Also called tonsilliths, these stones can begin to release sulfur, causing bad breath that can only be eradicated by removing the stones and preventing their recurrence. Read on to learn how to prevent tonsil stone formation and how to remove them once you have already developed them.
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.
Tonsilloliths are foul smelling because they tend to contain high quantities of sulfur compounds. When crushed, they give off a characteristic rotten-egg smell and can cause bad breath. Tonsilloliths may also give a person the sense that something is caught in the back of the throat. Also known as tonsil stone.
Can tonsil stones make you sick? Yes - tonsil stones can set off acute and chronic tonsillitis.
Tonsil stones slowly increase in size over time and once large enough may be spit out or swallowed.
Foods To Be Avoided
Alcohol and carbonated beverages must be avoided, as these beverages can cause intense pain, irritation, and burning sensation in the throat. Citrus fruits like oranges and lemons are acidic in nature, which may be too harsh on the throat and irritate the tonsils.
Tonsil stones usually take a bit of time to form and can be either very small, medium-sized, or very large. In fact, the largest tonsil stone on record is 14.5 cm, which is shy of six inches wide. However, most tonsil stones are small, and patients may not even realize at first that they have them.
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.
While tonsil stones may be troublesome, they are generally not harmful. And they are not a sign of cancer or another illness. Some people may become concerned when they see these deposits on their tonsils and may think they have a tumor or another illness, says Thatcher.
cetylpyridinium chloride. chlorhexidine (only available with a prescription)
Rinse regularly using a mouthwash, gently swishing alcohol-free mouthwash around your mouth helps kill bacteria and loosen tonsil stones.
Your tonsils are delicate, and you could cause bleeding or damage if you try to remove tonsil stones too aggressively. If the tonsil stones are causing significant pain or swelling, you should see your doctor.
Tonsil stones often dissolve on their own, are coughed up, or are swallowed and no treatment is needed. 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.