Tonsil Stones: Symptoms, Causes, Removal & Treatment
Are you experiencing a persistent irritation in your throat, a mysterious bad breath that doesn’t go away, or the sensation of something stuck at the back of your mouth? These could be signs of hidden tonsil stones — small, calcified formations that nestle within your tonsils. Often overlooked but surprisingly common, tonsil stones can cause a range of symptoms and discomforts. In fact, many people also make an attempt of popping hidden tonsil stones with their fingernails, which is absolutely unhygienic.
For expert care, Dr. Mustafa Kapadia offers specialized treatment plans tailored to effectively cater to and manage tonsil stones, ensuring relief and improved oral health.
What are Tonsil Stones?
Tonsil stones, or tonsilloliths, are small, calcified lumps that start growing in the crevices of your tonsils. These hard white or yellow formations are composed of hardened minerals like calcium, as well as food particles, bacteria, and fungi. Although they are usually not harmful, tonsil stones can lead to symptoms like bad breath, sore throat, earache, and other discomforts.
What do tonsil stones look and feel like?
Tonsil stones can give you the sensation that something is stuck at the back of your throat. You might notice small white patches on your tonsils. These stones can sometimes dislodge on their own, and you might cough out a stone or feel it move before swallowing it. Sometimes, people might also feel the urge of popping hidden tonsil stones on their own, which can lead to complications.
What causes tonsil stones?
Tonsil stones develop when debris gets trapped in the folds known as tonsillar crypts and then hardens. Frequent tonsil infections increase the likelihood of having enlarged tonsillar crypts, making you more prone to forming tonsil stones.
Small tonsil stones might be stealthy, causing no noticeable symptoms. Even large ones can go undetected until an X-ray or CT scan reveals their presence.
Symptoms of Tonsil Stones
One of the telltale signs of a tonsil stone can be bad breath (halitosis), often accompanying a tonsil infection:
- Sore Throat: Differentiating between a sore throat caused by a tonsil stone or tonsillitis can be tricky, especially when they occur together.
- Throat Tickle: The tonsil stone itself may become a source of irritation and discomfort in your throat, triggering a cough.
- Swallowing Struggle: Depending on the size and location, a tonsil stone can make swallowing food or liquids difficult or painful.
- Earache: Because of shared nerve pathways, a tonsil stone can cause ear pain even though it’s not physically touching your ear.
- Swollen Tonsil: As debris hardens into a stone, inflammation, infection, and the stone itself can all contribute to swelling of the tonsils.
Are tonsil stones contagious?
Tonsil stones are not contagious. Although the debris that collects in the tonsils can trap microbes, it hardens, which prevents the spread of these microbes.
Does everyone get tonsil stones?
No, not everyone gets tonsil stones. Up to 10% of the population is estimated to experience tonsil stones, but many people with tonsils may never develop them.
Here are some factors that can influence the likelihood of getting tonsil stones:
- Age: Tonsil stones are more common in young adults than in children or older adults.
- Tonsil size: People with larger tonsils may have more crypts (pockets) where debris can become trapped and form stones.
- Diet: A diet high in sugary or processed foods may contribute to tonsil stone formation.
- Dehydration: Not drinking enough fluids can make it easier for debris to become trapped in the tonsils.
Treatment and Removal of Popping Hidden Tonsil Stones
Non-Surgical Approaches
To completely remove tonsil stones and prevent their recurrence, the only permanent solution is surgical removal of the tonsils.
Nevertheless, there are several temporary methods to alleviate the issue:
Self-Removal
Some people think of popping hidden tonsil stones using their fingernails, but this is unsanitary and can scratch the tonsils. However, if you at all want to go by this method, using an oral analgesic like chloraseptic is highly recommendable that can help suppress the gag reflex.
Cotton Swab
You can use a moistened cotton swab to push against the bottom of the tonsil and push upward until the stones are expelled.
Toothbrush
Gently brushing the area of the tonsil where the stone is located is a more sanitary and effective method, though it may trigger the gag reflex.
High-Tech Option
A Waterpik irrigator can dislodge tonsil stones when the tongue attachment is sprayed directly at the affected area. Use the lowest setting to avoid causing any damage to the tonsil tissue.
Gargling
Gargling with salt water, cider vinegar, or mouthwash can help dislodge the stone. A gentle saline solution made by mixing half a teaspoon of table salt with eight ounces of warm water can also improve bad breath.
Medicine Droppers
Medicine droppers with a curved tip can suck out small stones. First, irrigate the area with saline solution, then use the dropper to extract the stone.
Note: Be extremely careful when attempting any of these methods, as the tonsils and throat are very sensitive and can be easily injured or irritated.
Struggling with hidden tonsil stones? Get in touch with our ENT expert and skilled surgeon, Dr. Mustafa Kapadia, for professional help with popping hidden tonsil stones and reclaim your tonsil stone-free throat today!
