Tonsil stones are small hard masses consisting of bacteria, dead cells and other debris that accumulate in the deep pits of the tonsils. These stones can cause bad breath, sore throat, and generally a feeling of discomfort. Tonsil stones are generally visible and yellowish white in color and attract attention with their small and hard structure. There are some methods that can be applied at home to deal with this situation. Drinking plenty of water, gargling and paying attention to oral hygiene are among the important methods that can reduce the formation of tonsil stones.
What are tonsil stones?
A tonsil stone is a small, solid formation that forms in the tonsils. The tonsils have small, deep pits or slits. These pits are called crypts. “What causes tonsil stones?” The question can be answered as follows:
Tonsil stones consist of food particles, mucus, bacteria and other debris that accumulate in the crypts. These residues harden over time and become stone. Tonsil stones generally do not cause any symptoms.
Tonsil stone symptoms can sometimes be as follows:
- Sore throat or throat irritation
- difficulty swallowing
- bad breath
- Swelling of the tonsils or redness of the tonsils
How to get rid of tonsil stones?
There are several different ways to remove tonsil stones. Among all these, the most common method of treating tonsil stones is to use an endoscope with a light and a camera inserted into it. The endoscope is used to see and remove tonsil stones. Tonsil stones can also be removed without rinsing with saliva or water or brushing the surface of the tonsils with a toothbrush. There is no sure way to prevent tonsil stones. However, some noteworthy methods that can help reduce the formation of tonsil stones can be listed as follows:
- drinking plenty of water
- Brushing and flossing teeth regularly
- Treating tonsil infections
- not smoking
Tonsil stones are a common condition in the tonsils. In most cases, tonsil stones do not cause any symptoms and may pass on their own. However, if tonsil stones cause symptoms or do not pass, they may need to be removed by a specialist doctor.