Why do I get tonsil stones if I brush my teeth?

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.

Why do I keep getting tonsil stones even with good hygiene?

Even if some people do take diligent care of their teeth and mouth, they will get stones because of the anatomy (the specific size and shape) of their tonsils. If the tonsils have a lot of crypts and crevices, they're more likely to have debris trapped in them and form tonsil stones than tonsils that are smooth.

Can my toothbrush cause tonsil stones?

But the truth is that people who brush, floss, and take good care of their teeth and gums can still develop tonsil stones. “We don't think it's oral hygiene,” Thatcher says. “In fact, people who are most obsessed with good hygiene can develop tonsil stones.”

How do you stop tonsil stones from forming?

Why do I get tonsil stones so often?

People who have long-term tonsillitis are more likely to get tonsil stones. The only way to prevent them is to remove your tonsils. Good dental habits can help prevent tonsil stones. Brush and floss your teeth regularly to remove bacteria and keep things from getting stuck in your tonsils.

Removal of a tonsillar stone - patient education video by Dr. Carlo Oller

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.

Do tonsil stones last forever?

Tonsil stones may last for weeks if bacteria continue to grow on the tonsils due to tonsil stones deep in the throat. If tonsil stones are ignored and left in place without lifestyle changes, they may last for years.

Will mouthwash help 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.

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.

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.

Why do I keep getting white tonsil stones?

Your tonsils are filled with nooks and crannies where bacteria can become trapped. As a result, the bacteria and debris combine to create a white pus formation in the pockets, and tonsil stones form when the trapped debris hardens. The most common causes of tonsil stones include: Bacterial infections.

Do tonsil stones mean anything?

Tonsil stones are a common problem. Though they can bring a range of symptoms, tonsil stones rarely result in serious complications. If you have frequent tonsil stones, be sure to practice good dental hygiene and stay hydrated. If they become a problem or you're concerned about them, talk to your doctor.

How do you find a hidden tonsil stone?

One of the most common ways people find out they have tonsil stones is by spotting these growths while looking in the mirror. “You may notice them when flossing your teeth,” Setlur says. But in other cases tonsil stones are not visible to the naked eye.

Can you use a toothbrush to remove tonsil stones?

If your tonsil stones are small, you can try to remove them at home. The best way to do this is to gently scrape them off with a toothbrush or cotton swab. Using a water pick or gargling can also help dislodge the stones.

Is it OK to 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.

Do dentists clean tonsils?

Tonsil Stone Professional Removal

Dentists typically remove tonsil stones by using a professional air or water syringe, or a simple tongue depressor. If your dentist elects to use an air or water syringe, they will spray a stream of water on and around your tonsilliths to dislodge them.

How do you pop a tonsil stone?

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.

What mouthwash is best 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.

What happens if tonsil stones are not removed?

Tonsil stones are usually not dangerous, and don't always need to be removed, but they can cause bad breath, the sensation of an object being stuck in the back of the throat, or difficulty swallowing.

How do you push out 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.

Can you remove tonsil stones with your finger?

Regular gargling can help dislodge the stones until they eventually come off completely. In combination, you might be able to use your finger or a cotton swab to reach in and dislodge the tonsil stones. Another great solution is the use of an oral irrigator.

What do tonsil stones smell like?

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.

Are tonsil stones soft and smelly?

Unlike kidney stones or salivary stones, which are calcified and therefore hard, tonsil stones are soft and stinky, white or yellow balls of solid pus, which form in the crypts of the tonsils.

Does post nasal drip cause tonsil stones?

Patients that have postnasal drip, allergies, or colds are more prone to the formation of tonsil stones due to the mucus in the back of the throat.

Why do I cough up white chunks that stink?

Tonsil stones, or tonsilloliths, are bits of food or debris that collect in the crevices of your tonsils and harden or calcify. They are typically white or light yellow, and some people can see them when examining their tonsils.