Tonsil stones form when food particles, dead cells, and debris get stuck in little nooks, fittingly called the tonsillar crypts. White blood cells attack these oral stowaways and the ensuing war leaves behind tonsil stones. Little else is known about them, save for the fact that some people are genetically predisposed and they more often afflict individuals with a history of tonsillitis. One thing all sufferers do know is that they must be dealt with. But don't send toothpicks, paper clips, or just any household item after these things – the tonsils are comprised of extremely sensitive tissues. Below you can learn how to get rid of tonsil stones using safe, at-home remedies as well as more invasive medical treatments.et Rid of Tonsil Stones at Home
Use a cotton swab or even your finger to remove tonsil stones. Using either your finger or a cotton swab, apply pressure to the lower part of your tonsil and, keeping pressure, move upwards. Oftentimes this will cause tonsil stones to pop out. Then you can savor both victory and the cadaver-like aftertaste of these peals of peril.
Blast them out with water. Many people remove tonsil stones with oral irrigators (water picks) - normally used for cleaning teeth and gums. The powerful jets these devices produce can dislodge even the most stubborn tonsil stone. Whichever device you use, you'll want to start out on the lowest setting, and pulsing streams work best. If this sounds too harsh, you may want to purchase an irrigation syringe with a curved tip or a large medicine dropper. First irrigate the offending area with warm salt water and then try to suck out the tonsil stone.
A soft-bristled toothbrush can aid in getting rid of tonsil stones. As I stated above, the tonsils are very delicate – getting rough could cause (or worsen) inflammation as well as cuts and bleeding. Gently massage the area around the tonsil stone. If you feel like you've loosened it or it's broken up, gargle with salt water to see if you can flush out the rest. If you have an electric toothbrush, try massaging the area around the tonsil stone with the smooth, backside of the brush. These intense vibrations are sometimes enough to dislodge and break up tonsil stones.
Using your tongue and hard swallowing are safe, simple options. Tonsil stones set up camp in your tongue's jurisdiction, and that libidinous muscle can help loosen or dislodge tonsil stones in time. Though it sounds too simple to be effective, swallowing hard has been known to remove tonsil stones. First, tighten your throat, then press your tongue against the roof of your mouth, and swallow. This motion lifts and puts pressure on the tonsils, which in turn causes tonsil stones to pop out of their festering nooks.
Salt water gargles and carbonated drinks may work in time. If you'd rather not touch your sensitive tonsils with anything (many people with tonsil stones suffer from tonsillitis) and your tongue and hard swallowing have proven ineffective, then this method is for you. Gargle twice to three times daily with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt with 1 cup warm water), drink plenty of fluids, and work in some carbonated beverages like sparkling water, seltzer water, or club soda. The salt water gargle can help control swelling and bacteria, while the fizzy drinks can slowly eat away at the tonsil stone's hold.
Surgical Removal. Sometimes tonsil stones can't be reasoned with. When they are thought to be the cause of swelling, infection, or severe annoyance and at-home remedies haven't worked, a doctor – more specifically an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) - can numb the area and scrape it out with minimal discomfort.
Laser Cryptolysis. During cryptolysis, a doctor will reshape the geography of your tonsillar crypts using a CO2 laser. The pockets where tonsil stones flourished are closed. It should only be considered if tonsil stones are recurrent and causing problems.
Tonsillectomy. Having your tonsils removed is the only way to permanently get rid of tonsil stones. It should not be considered lightly. Despite what is often written about this procedure, it can be extremely painful. A friend of mind recently had it done, and though he doesn't regret it, he vowed that he'd rather be castrated on live television – on The View – than go through the ordeal again. And as you age, the potential for complications grows. But if you suffer from chronic tonsillitis and your tonsils are the source of constant misery, perhaps it's time to consider having them out.
(Note: Some people have complained that they have had a tonsillectomy and yet still get tonsil stones. This may be because they've only had their palatine tonsils removed. Tonsil stones could still potentially form in the adenoids (pharyngeal tonsils), tubal, and lingual tonsils.)
Antibiotics. Taking antibiotics may help get rid of tonsil stones for some, but it won't combat viral tonsillitis or prevent stones from forming in the future.