How do I get rid of the little smelly balls in my throat?

If you have tonsil stones, these at-home remedies can help:
  1. A warm saltwater gargle helps with swelling and discomfort. Gargling can even help dislodge the stone. Try a gargle of 1 teaspoon salt mixed with 8 ounces of water.
  2. Use a cotton swab to remove a tonsil stone that's bothering you.
  3. Brush and floss regularly.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on my.clevelandclinic.org


How do you get rid of tonsil balls in your throat?

Removing tonsil stones

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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on keckmedicine.org


How do I stop tonsil stones?

You can help prevent tonsil stones from forming in the first place by following good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth after meals, at bedtime, and when you get up in the morning. When you brush your teeth, gently brush your tongue, as well. Floss your teeth daily.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org


What causes smelly lumps in throat?

Tonsil stones (also called tonsilloliths or tonsil calculi) are small clusters of calcifications or stones that form in the craters (crypts) of the tonsils. Tonsil stones are hard and appear as white or yellowish formations on the tonsils. They usually smell bad (and make your breath smell bad) due to bacteria.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on medicinenet.com


Is it OK to remove tonsil stones?

Tonsil stones are hardened accumulations in the pits of the tonsils. You shouldn't remove them at home because you may damage the delicate tissue, but some home remedies and medical treatments can reduce their severity. The tonsils are masses of lymph tissue in the back of the throat.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on emedicinehealth.com


What Are Those Nasty White Chunks in Your Throat?



Why did I suddenly get tonsil 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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on webmd.com


Do tonsil stones stink?

Symptoms of tonsil stones

Tonsil stones are rarely a serious problem; in fact, most people don't even know they have them. Sometimes, however, they can cause unpleasant or painful symptoms. These include: Bad breath — Tonsil stones can have a foul odor, making severe bad breath one of the main symptoms.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on scripps.org


What foods cause tonsil stones?

Foods such as popcorn, sesame seeds, and spinach that leave small pieces stuck in the throat settle over the tonsils or in the crypts (hollow spaces) surrounding the tonsils, and can accumulate over time to form stones, along with irritating the throat in case of tonsillitis.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on oladoc.com


Does everyone get tonsil stones?

In most cases, they aren't of concern to your health. Some people may never get a tonsil stone, while others may get several a week without issue. Remember that just because you have bad breath doesn't mean you have tonsil stones. There are many causes of bad breath, and tonsil stones are among the less likely reasons.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on colgate.com


What happens if you swallow tonsil stones?

In most cases, tonsil stones do not require any treatment, as they detach themselves naturally from the tonsils, and can be swallowed without even being noticed. However, when there is pain, discomfort, or bad breath due to tonsil stones, certain treatments may be recommended.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on tuasaude.com


How do you get rid of tonsil stones without gagging?

Salt water gargles can help dislodge tonsil stones. The most common recipe for salt water gargles is to dissolve a teaspoon of table salt in 8 ounces of warm water. Put some of the salt water in your mouth and tip your head back slightly—not too much to stretch your neck. Gargle for a few seconds and then spit it out.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on healthgrades.com


What mouthwash is good for tonsil stones?

Using an antibacterial mouthwash may help reduce oral bacteria and plaque, both of which may contribute to the formation of tonsil stones. The American Dental Association advise people to look for a mouthwash that contains the following active ingredients: cetylpyridinium chloride.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on medicalnewstoday.com


How does Q Tip get rid of tonsil stones?

Firstly, wet the end of the q-tip (makes it more sticky to the stone) and press against the bottom of the stone trying to pop them out of place. Using a mirror and a flashlight can help. An electric toothbrush tends to work a little better due to the vibration. Try to get under the stone and loosen them out.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on innovationdrivedental.com


How do you dissolve tonsil stones naturally?

Saltwater gargle

A warm saltwater gargle may help loosen tonsil stones. A person can prepare this by adding half a teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water. Gargle the liquid for 10–15 seconds. Saltwater gargles may also help relieve a sore, scratchy throat.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on medicalnewstoday.com


What happens if tonsil stones won't come out?

Generally, unless manually interfered with, tonsil stones aren't likely to go away on their own. Gargling with warm salt water may help dislodge the tonsil stones. You can also try gargling with chlorhexidine mouthwash. Regular gargling can help dislodge the stones until they eventually come off completely.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on katycypressoralsurgery.com


Does removing tonsil stones make them worse?

Trying to scrape them off with a cotton swab or your finger can sometimes make the infection worse. If this happens, you should seek medical attention. You should see a doctor if your tonsil stones persist, continue to get larger, or if they're large.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on healthline.com


Does mouthwash prevent tonsil stones?

Mouthwash. Mouthwash can help flush debris and bacteria out of your mouth and make tonsil stones less likely to form. Using a mouthwash without alcohol is best.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on healthline.com
Previous question
Why does Spanish sound so fast?