7 Natural Home Remedies to Cure Tonsil Stones [2022] (2023)

FAQs

What dissolves tonsil stones fast? ›

Gargling with warm salt water may help loosen tonsil stones. A person can prepare this by adding half a teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water. They can gargle the liquid for several seconds and repeat if necessary. Saltwater gargles may also help relieve a sore, scratchy throat.

The only way to fully prevent tonsil stones is to have your tonsils surgically removed. This procedure is called a tonsillectomy. It is usually used to treat chronic tonsillitis. Tonsillectomies are most commonly done in childhood, but can also be done in adults.

Gargling with salt water is a known method of making your throat feel better, but it can also dislodge tonsil stones. The salt acts as an abrasive that shakes everything loose in the back of your throat.

Food and Drink

Drinking excessive amounts of coffee and alcohol makes it more likely that you will develop tonsil stones. A diet high in meat and dairy products can also cause the development of tonsil stones.

Preventing Tonsil Stones

Brush your teeth twice a day or after meals: Use an anti-bacterial toothpaste like Crest Pro-Health to better neutralize plaque and limit the spread of oral bacteria into the throat.

Using the soft end of a cotton swab, gently reach back to the tonsil and try to remove the stone. Some people try using their toothbrush, but a smaller cotton swab may be gentler if you have a strong gag reflex.

Most tonsil stones are small, just 1mm to 2mm across. In some cases, however, they can be up to 1cm across. If your tonsillar crypts are enlarged, minerals like calcium can become trapped and harden or calcify into stones. Bacteria or fungi that cause tonsillitis can also cause tonsil stones to form.

The short answer is yes. In fact, you may not even know that you have tonsil stones until you cough one up.

Poor oral hygiene, as well as tobacco use, can increase the likelihood of tonsil stones. But in other individuals, it's the structure of the tonsils themselves that makes them more prone to developing tonsil stones.

Tonsil Stones Are Not Necessarily Caused by Poor Oral Hygiene, but Practicing Good Care Can Help. A common misconception is that tonsil stones are caused by not practicing good oral hygiene. But the truth is that people who brush, floss, and take good care of their teeth and gums can still develop tonsil stones.

What foods should I avoid for tonsil stones? ›

While not a preventative measure, solid foods such as pizza crusts, hard cookies and crackers, and potato crisps are known tonsil irritants and should be avoided for the duration of tonsillitis treatment. Opt instead for soft, creamy foods like mashed potatoes, boiled pasta or rice, and soups.

Tonsil stones may last anywhere from several days to several years. Most tonsil stones clear up in 1-3 weeks on their own. Large stones may remain on the tonsils for many years if not removed by a doctor.

Salt water gargling

Gargling and rinsing with warm salt water can help sooth a sore throat and pain caused by tonsillitis. It can also reduce inflammation, and may even help to treat infections. Stir about ½ teaspoon of salt in about 4 ounces of warm water. Stir until the salt is dissolved.

Gargling with salty warm water is a good hack to soothe your painful throat and eliminate tonsil stones. The salt in the rinse makes the tonsil stone lose and helps it fall out. The salt can also prevent the further formation of stones.

Tonsil stones form when this debris hardens, or calcifies. This tends to happen most often in people who have long-term inflammation in their tonsils or repeated cases of tonsillitis. Many people have small tonsilloliths, but it's rare to have a large tonsil stone.

Bananas – A soft fruit that will be easy on the throat and is healthy and filling too. Pomegranate Juice – Studies suggest pomegranate juice can reduce inflammation and fight off infection. Frozen Fruit – Fruit sherbets and popsicles can soothe the inflammation.

Causes of tonsil stones are many, but often it does come down to poor oral hygiene as a primary cause. Food, bacteria, mucus, and dead skin can all become “trapped” on the way down; however, if a patient has good oral hygiene such as regular brushing and the use of mouthwash, it makes tonsil stones much more unlikely.

Any over-the-counter, alcohol-free mouthwash will help keep the tonsils clean and loosen any debris from the tonsil crypts. You can also gargle with salt water, or a solution of half water, half 3% hydrogen peroxide.”

Therabreath Mouthwash Is Loved by Over 14,000 People for Tackling Everything from Bad Breath to Tonsil Stones.

If you have a difficult time removing your tonsil stones at home or simply feel uneasy doing it yourself, then your dentist can remove them for you. Dentists typically remove tonsil stones by using a professional air or water syringe, or a simple tongue depressor.

How do you force tonsil stones out? ›

In most cases, removing a tonsil stone can be done at home. Using a cotton swab, gently push on the tonsil, behind the stone, to force the stone out. Vigorous coughing and gargling can dislodge stones, as well. Once the stone is out, gargle with salt water, to remove any remaining bacteria.

Gargling with salt water or a 50/50 mixture of water and hydrogen peroxide has also shown to keep your tonsillar crypts cleaner and soothe your throat. Make sure if you gargle with a 50/50 hydrogen peroxide and water mixture that you do not swallow hydrogen peroxide.

Most tonsil stones clear up in 1-3 weeks on their own. Large stones may remain on the tonsils for many years if not removed by a doctor.

Any over-the-counter, alcohol-free mouthwash will help keep the tonsils clean and loosen any debris from the tonsil crypts. You can also gargle with salt water, or a solution of half water, half 3% hydrogen peroxide.”

If your tonsil stones are large, causing you excessive pain, or are obstructing your throat or airway, you should seek medical attention. Also, if you've tried to remedy the stones at home and they don't go away or keep coming back, you should see a doctor.

Poor oral hygiene, as well as tobacco use, can increase the likelihood of tonsil stones. But in other individuals, it's the structure of the tonsils themselves that makes them more prone to developing tonsil stones.

If you have a difficult time removing your tonsil stones at home or simply feel uneasy doing it yourself, then your dentist can remove them for you. Dentists typically remove tonsil stones by using a professional air or water syringe, or a simple tongue depressor.

Gargling with warm salt water may also be beneficial. Mix one teaspoon of salt with a cup of warm water and gently gargle for 10-15 seconds at a time. This may also help to soothe a sore, scratchy throat. Gargling with a diluted apple cider vinegar solution may also help to dissolve and dislodge tonsil stones.

Yes, Sometimes Tonsil Stones Do Go Away on Their Own

In some cases, tonsil stones can go away on their own, says Setlur.

It isn't dangerous to swallow tonsil stones, but it can be unpleasant to do so.

Can antibiotics clear up tonsil stones? ›

If you suffer from severe and persistent tonsil stones, try taking antibiotics after consulting your doctor. Antibiotics can easily treat tonsil stones, but will not prevent the formation of tonsil stones.