Most commonly 75% of people in the US have a sore throat in any three months in a year and out of those children from 5- 15 are also dealing with this problem that can lead to Tonsil stones or Tonsilloliths. It is harmless and has symptoms of infection, but people usually do not require any medical treatment. This blog provides you with How To Remove Tonsil Stones At Home Naturally with all the details.
So, let’s start with this blog!
What are Tonsil Stones?
Tonsil stones are small pebble-like light yellow or white in color substances that can sometimes form in the tonsils. Tonsilloliths forms, When minerals, bacteria, mucus, etc get stuck and start to build up in tonsillar crypts (tiny holes in tonsils).
There are numerous symptoms of tonsil stones, with the most common one being bad breath. A few other common symptoms are:
- Sore throat
- Always feeling like something is stuck at the back of your throat
- Pain and discomfort at the time of swallowing
- White or yellow lumps formed in the tonsils
Tonsil stones do not always require medical treatment. If the condition is not severe, these lumps can be carefully removed with the help of natural remedies.
How To Remove Tonsil Stones at Home – Some Natural Remedies
Firstly, you need to make sure that the tonsil stones are visible in a well-lit mirror. Doing so will ensure that the symptoms are from tonsilloliths, and not some other complication(s). Look into the mirror, open your mouth wide, and search for any lumps visible.
Coughing
A strong cough can sometimes help dislodge a tonsil stone. This remedy should be tried before anything else, as it is the least complicated one on the list. You can also gargle with salt water to loosen the stuck stone, and then proceed to cough strongly in order to remove it.
Salt Water Gargle
Saltwater can be made by adding 1 teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water. Gargling with this solution for a few seconds and spitting it out may help loosen the tonsil stones. Repeat the process, if necessary. Also, Salt Water Gargle may provide comfort from sore throat and cough.
If you are not fond of the taste of saline water, honey can be added to make the flavor more pleasant. It is not recommended for children less than 6 years of age and adults.
Use a Water Dental Flosser
This water dental flosser device releases a low-intensity stream of water in the direction it is pointed at. It is used to remove food particles from in-between the teeth but also can be used to dislodge or loosen tonsil stones. If you have a water flosser, you can aim its stream directly at the lumps.
Make sure the stone does not fall inside the throat, as it may cause coughing. Do not try this method on children, as they may choke.
Using Cotton Swabs
You may use a cotton swab to gently press the area around the stone If the tonsil stone is clearly visible in the mirror. This method can be useful in dislodging the tonsil stone. Gargling with warm salt water right after using cotton swabs will be beneficial as well.
However, one needs to be very careful while using cotton swabs in this manner. Touching the middle part of the throat will cause gagging, and aggressively poking the throat with the swabs can cause injuries and infection. In such a case, immediately consult a doctor.
This method should never be used or tested on children.
Use Mouthwash Regularly
Rinsing with mouthwash can reduce the bacteria build-up in your mouth and loosen the lumps. It will also counter mouth odor, which is a symptom of tonsil stones. Regular mouthwash will also keep the bacteria from building and, therefore, decline the risk of tonsilloliths in the future.
Using a non-alcoholic mouthwash is recommended, as alcohol can irritate the openings where the lumps are building up.
When To Consult A Doctor:
If you have tonsilloliths, you should go see a doctor if:
- Tonsil stones are large and/or causing excessive pain
- Using one or more home remedies did not help
- Stones keep on reappearing, even after removal through home remedies
- You are having difficulty breathing
- There are traces of blood in saliva
- The area around the neck hurts
- The tonsils are causing pain and this pain is reaching the ears
- You notice a lack of tolerance towards citrus foods
Conclusion:
Tonsil stones are fairly common and are usually not a cause for concern. In some cases, people don’t even realize that they have tonsilloliths as it naturally goes away over time. We provide every possible information on how to remove Tonsil Stones at home. Still, sometimes they can be annoying to deal with. So, to prevent them, you should maintain oral hygiene (by brushing, using mouthwash, and flossing regularly), quit smoking, and stay hydrated among other practices.
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