How to Remove Tonsilloliths – The Best Methods for Getting Rid of Tonsil Stones
How to Remove Tonsilloliths – The Best Methods for Getting Rid of Tonsil Stones
There are several methods you can use to remove tonsilloliths. Which method you choose will depend on the severity of your condition and possibly the positioning of the tonsilloliths, or tonsil stones. While these may be very convenient and sometimes even painful, the processes to remove tonsilloliths are actually fairly simple and relatively painless.
What are Tonsilloliths?
Tonsilloliths are calcified bits of anaerobic bacteria, food debris, and excess mucous that have lodged themselves in a crevice, or crypt, in the tonsil. They cause markedly bad breath and can be irritating to the throat and even the mouth. In some cases, they can lead to infection, causing pain and inflammation. It is usually possible to remove tonsilloliths naturally at home with no need for physician’s care or medicine.
How to Remove Tonsilloliths at Home
There are a couple of options from which to choose when you set out to remove tonsilloths at home. The first involves a cotton swab, warm water, a mirror, and a flashlight. Follow these steps for a quick and relatively painless procedure:
1. Soak a cotton swab in lukewarm water so that it is thoroughly wet, but not dripping.
2. Hold your mirror and flashlight in one hand and use them to locate the tonsilliloth on your tonsil.
3. With your cotton swab, push gently on the tonsil beneath the tonsil stone, nudging the stone up and out of the crypt.
4. Use the swab to wipe the stone away.
5. Follow up your procedure by gargling with an oxygenating mouthwash.
This is a great way to remove tonsilloliths if you do not have an active gag reflex. Some individuals, however, will not get through the procedure without gagging; for these people, there is another option. In place of a cotton swab, you can use an oral irrigation device, available in the oral hygiene department of most department stores.
1. Using your mirror and flashlight, locate the tonsil stone.
2. Focus the stream of your oral irrigation device, filled with lukewarm water, at the tonsil stone and spray with low pressure.
3. Continue to spray until the stone is dislodged.
How to Remove Tonsilloliths with Medicine or Physician Care
If you are unable to remove tonsilloliths in one of these manners, you may need to seek the assistance of a physician. Your doctor will most likely try a round of antibiotics first, especially if the tonsillolith is being held in the crypt due to swelling or infection. If this does not work, he can perform a procedure to remove tonsilloliths through an outpatient surgical technique. This technique requires only a local anesthetic and has very little recovery time necessary.
In the event that you are suffering from tonsil stones because of a severe infection, or if you are prone to frequent bouts of tonsillitis, your doctor may wish to resort to something more drastic. In rare cases, the best method to remove tonsil stones is through a tonsillectomy. This inpatient procedure requires general anesthetic and removes tonsilloliths as well as the tonsils themselves.
