Home remedy to get rid of tonsil stones and bad breath

The tonsils are filled with many nooks and crannies where bacteria, dead cells and mucus can get trapped. This leads to the debris becoming concentrated in white formations which occur in pockets. Tonsils stones or tonsilloliths are formed due to the hardening of this trapped debris. This generally occurs in those who suffer from chronic inflammation in the tonsils or those who tend to have repeated bouts of tonsillitis. Generally, smaller tonsilloliths develop in the tonsils, and it is rare to have a large solidified tonsil stone. Small tonsil stones usually do not cause any noticeable symptoms. Even larger stones are only detected on x-rays or CT scans.

Larger tonsil stones may sometimes have multiple symptoms. Bad breath or halitosis accompanying a tonsil infection is one of the main indicators of tonsil stones. If tonsillitis and tonsil stones occur together, it is difficult to tell if the throat pain is due to the infection or the stones. Just the presence of a tonsil stone also may cause pain and discomfort in the area where it is lodged. A tonsil stone may be visible as a lump of solid white material in the throat. But sometimes they may be hidden within the folds of the tonsils and are detectable only with the help of non-invasive scanning techniques such as CT scans or MRIs. There may also be a difficulty in swallowing food or liquids depending on the location and size of the tonsil stone. The person may also undergo ear pain due to shared nerve pathways between the tonsils and the ear. If the tonsil stone is accompanied by inflammation due to infection, then the stone may cause the tonsil to swell and become enlarged.

Dairy food contributes to the build-up of mucus and calcium, both of which are factors that lead to the formation of tonsilloliths. Therefore it is necessary to avoid consuming dairy products. It is also recommended that you do not eat just before going to bed, as there may be particles of food left in the mouth which may accumulate in the tonsils. It is also important to Brush your teeth regularly to remove any food that may be lodged in the mouth. You may also use a scraper on your tongue. Try and scrape the entire tongue even the areas at the back, in order to remove bacteria that may have accumulated there. Taking salt water gargles daily is also beneficial in treating tonsil stones.

answered by M W

Alternative Treatment for Tonsil Stones

Tonsil stones or tonsiloliths are yellow rock like material on the tonsils due to deposition of sulfur producing bacteria or skin cells or inner mucosa and food debris in the crypts of tonsils. To avoid its further development an appropriate oral hygiene is important. Try the following home remedies for tonsil stones and halitosis or bad breath:

• To soothe your throat gargle with warm water and salt or non-alcohol mouth wash would help a lot.
• You can remove tonsil stones manually with the help of cotton swabs, toothbrush or water pick (tool used to clean the crypts of tonsils).
• Bad breath is often caused due to tonsil stones or sore tonsils, once a good oral hygiene is maintained bad breath will automatically become less. To remove the bacteria and debris deposited on the tongue frequently clean the tongue with a tongue cleaner.
• Increase your fluid consumption as this will prevent mouth dryness and halitosis, however prefer sugar free fluids. Chewing sugar free gums will also promote saliva production and prevent bad breath.

answered by Dr S