What is more irritating than the stinky tonsil stones present in your throat when you are unable to remove those stones from your mouth it makes the situation more frustrating. This is when you look for different ways to get rid of your tonsil stones. So, is it actually possible? How do make tonsil stones fall out?
What Are Tonsil Stones?
The tonsils are found in the back of the throat and serve as part of the body’s lymphatic and immune systems. The tonsils capture bacteria before going deeper into a person’s oral cavity. It has small folds, in which bacteria and food can collect to form small, stone-like substances that doctors call tonsil stones or tonsilloliths.
Though they are normally symptomless, they can cause minor implications such as bad breath. In addition to bad breath, tonsil stones can cause a sore throat, painful swallowing, hoarseness, and inflamed, red tonsils.
How Long Tonsil Stones Last?
Usually, tonsil stones dislodge themselves over time. There is no perfect amount of time for this, however, it varies from person to person depending upon the size of the stone. If you want to do this fast, you can look for how to make tonsil stones fall out mentioned below.
Just remember, if you have a persistent stone that seems to be getting larger, you may wish to talk to a doctor.
How To Make Tonsil Stones Fall Out
Basically, there are two ways to get rid of tonsil stones.
- Physical Removal
- Auto Fallout
1. Physical Removal
Physical removal is the best way to remove those existing tonsil stones. In this process, all you have to do is to remove your stone physically using various techniques and instruments.
2. Auto Fallout
Physical removal of tonsil stones is probably the best way, however, it comes with its own set of disadvantages. One among them is severe gag reflex. As tonsils are deep in one’s throat, some people may feel a heavy gag reflexes while trying to reach the stones physically. Additionally, sometimes you cannot remove the stones if they are deep and hidden in one’s throat.
In these conditions it’s better to let the stone fall down on its own, however, you can do some home remedies to fasten and ease the process. Here are some of the home remedies to make tonsil stones fall out on their own within a couple of days.
Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Tonsil Stones
1. Using Mouthwash
Gently gargle with an alcohol-free mouthwash after eating to get rid of tonsil stones. This will separate food from tonsil craters and prevent the formation of tonsil stones. Additionally, this will help loosen tonsil stones and reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth.
You can also use warm salt water for gargling as it removes bits of food from the tonsil craters and also reduces the discomfort due to tonsillitis.
2. Cotton Swabs
You can also use cotton swabs to make tonsil stones fall out from the back of the throat. However, this is a delicate process and requires complete attention or else you will end up with an injury. Before going through this process it’s always wise to consult with your doctor and never attempt this method on a child.
In order to follow this process, you need cotton swabs. Slightly dampen the swab and insert it toward the back of the throat, sweep the stones away. Avoid touching the middle portion of the throat, as this can trigger the gag reflex.
Because a lot of blood vessels surround the tonsils, it is recommended to try only a few sweeps with the cotton swab. If bleeding occurs, stop using the swab.
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3. Using Yogurt
Here is a fun fact for you, eating yogurt can certainly help you with removing your tonsil stones. It is beneficial to prevent tonsil stones as yogurt contains lactobacillus acidophilus and other helpful probiotics that help get rid of the bacteria in our mouth.
Yogurt has the unique ability to dissolve calcium carbonate of any quantity. So, once you start eating the yogurt, it slowly starts dissolving the calcium carbonate tonsil stones making it completely invisible one day.
Moreover, research studies proved that yogurt is a natural probiotic which contains large amounts of good bacteria. Hence the good bacteria, when taken can effectively help your immune system in clearing the root cause of your tonsil stones.
4. Using Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is made from the extracts of apples, this makes it completely acidic in nature. This acidic nature helps get rid of tonsil stones. A tonsil stone is mostly made of calcium and to make it fall out, you need a proper acidic substance that makes the calcium dissolve completely. Hence when apple cider vinegar touches the stones, it can completely break the calcium compounds making the tonsil stones fall out by themselves.
Although there are a number of ways to use apple cider vinegar for tonsil stones, the best way is to do gargling every day. Just mix it completely in warm water whenever possible, and gargle while making sure it touches and flushes your stones.
Read: Apple Cider Vinegar For Weight Loss: Does It Actually Work? Facts & Advantages
5. Using Oral Irrigator
Oral irrigators are useful in flushing tonsil stones out effective, however, just remember to use them at the lowest setting. To do this, stand in front of a well-lit mirror and aim toward the tonsil stones.
After putting it inside your mouth and switching it on, direct the water stream towards the stone. Do not change its position until the stone gets dislocated.
Be careful when freeing a tonsil stone, as it can fall toward the back of the throat and cause coughing. Do not try this on children, who could choke.
When To See A Doctor For Tonsil Stones
If your tonsil stone persists for several weeks, or if you have symptoms you feel are from tonsil stones then it’s time to talk to a doctor.
You should seek medical attention for signs of tonsil infection, such as:
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Enlarged tonsils that make it hard to breathe
- Pain that spreads to the ears
- Pus or white discharge from the tonsils
- Seriously enlarged tonsils
- Bleeding in the tonsil area
Additionally, if you manage to remove a tonsil stone but still have pain, hoarseness, or bad breath, you should also see a doctor. A specialist called an ear, nose, and throat doctor usually deals with tonsil stones, but you can also start by speaking with your primary doctor.
The Bottom Line
Tonsil stones are usually a minor irritation, however, they sometimes lead to infection and discomfort. So getting rid of tonsil stones at the earliest is the best thing you should do. Lastly, don’t try any of the home remedies on a kid, rather consult with your doctor for its treatment.