How to Remove Tonsil Stones

Tonsils are two masses of lymphatic tissue present at the back of the throat, one on each side. Tonsils help to protect the upper respiratory tract from infection by fighting the germs entering through the mouth and nose. Thus, they act as a part of the immune system. In some people, tonsilloliths or tonsil stones which are small, hard, calcareous white lumps, occur in the crevasses of the tonsils. These stones form due to a buildup of dead skin cells along with other debris that get washed down through the throat from the nasal cavities and sinuses and get lodged in the crypts of the tonsils. Oral bacteria, overactive salivary glands and mucus secretions are also known causes of tonsil stones. People suffering from chronic postnasal drip usually are more prone to tonsil stones since there is a regular flow of sinus drainage and mucus via the tonsils. Before knowing how to remove tonsil stones, let's find out what are the symptoms.

Symptoms

For an early treatment, it is important to be wary of the following symptoms.

• Solid white lumps at the back of the throat.
• Difficulty while swallowing
• Swelling of the tonsils
• Bad breath or halitosis
• Sore throat
• In some cases ear pain is also experienced.

Treatment Options

The symptoms can be so irritating, annoying and painful that a person is bound to shout out loud. Don't worry, the following paragraphs will tell you just that.

Using a Cotton Swab
First, moisten the cotton swab with water. Stand in front of the mirror and with the help of a small flashlight look into the back of your throat. Now, with the help of the cotton swab press against the bottom of the tonsil and push it upwards. The pressure will help to squeeze out stones. Ensure that you don't push the stones further into your tonsil crypts. After removing the stones, rinse and gargle with an antibacterial mouthwash.

Using a Waterpik Irrigator
Waterpik Irrigator is a device which injects a water jet spray into your mouth. You can use the tongue attachment to direct the spray into the crypt containing the tonsil stone. Also turn the irrigator to its lowest setting. Now fill the reservoir of the irrigator with lukewarm water. Look into the mirror with your mouth wide open. With the help of a flashlight locate the stones. Irrigate the tonsil crypts with the water, the pulsating water can flush out the stones effectively. After removing this stones gargle with an antibacterial mouthwash. Sometimes brushing with a toothbrush may also be effective in removing surfaced tonsilloliths. Also drink plenty of water, salt water gargle will also be effective in removing the stones.

Surgery Methods
Surgery is done when there are extreme symptoms and when the occurrence of the stones is frequent. Doctors may recommend a surgery called laser cryptolysis. In this technique a scanned carbon dioxide laser is used to vaporize and remove the surface of the tonsils. In this method, the edges of the crypts and crevices that collect the debris are flattened out, so that there is no collection leading to formation of these stones. The last option which is availed in extreme cases is tonsillectomy which involves removal of the tonsils. Surgery can provide a permanent relief to a person, who has been suffering from tonsillitis and tonsil stones for a long time. As tonsils are important part of immune system tonsil removal should be the last option and it is generally, not recommended for children.

You must use all the above methods with extreme caution. Also it's better to consult a ENT specialist.