What Causes Tonsil Stones

Lots of people wonder how they get it exactly, because they want to be rid of the foul smell and the pestering sore throat. However, before you go on and have the tonsils removed surgically, you’d better learn more about the role of the tonsils in the upper respiratory tract. Then, you can explore ways to prevent the formation of tonsilloliths.

What’s the tonsils’ role?

Tonsils represent a natural barrier against bacteria that enter the respiratory tract. They also help eliminate various body tonsils. In most people, the tonsils go through natural self-cleaning, and don’t pose any problems. However, when these natural filters get too full of food debris, mucus and bacteria, tonsilloliths develop.

Who is most exposed to developing tonsil stones?

1. People who suffer from allergies are prone to suffering from tonsilloliths due to the chronic post-nasal drip and the accumulation of mucus in the throat. The mucus excess from the sinuses represents a number one cause for tonsil stones.

2. Diet could be another favoring factor that leads to tonsilloliths formation. Sugars, oils, fats and dairy products make throat problems worse. The lactose in milk represents an excellent environment for bacteria to outgrow and invade the tonsils. The other types of food mentioned above increase the imbalance that supports bacterial infections.

3. Repeated throat infections and inflammation episodes are another possible answer to your ‘what causes tonsil stones’ dilemma. Throat infections point to a problem in the immune system, as the body does not have time to deal with one infection when another strikes in.

How to diagnose

Go to the doctor and run some medical exams if you suffer from the following symptoms that are usually indicators of tonsilloliths:

  • a feeling that you have something in the throat that you can’t swallow;
  • pain when you eat or drink;
  • white or yellow spots on the tonsils;
  • coughing;
  • frequent sore throat.

If you suffer from these, and the doctor confirms the tonsilloliths diagnosis, the next step would be to determine the cause and begin treatment.

What about treatments and prevention?

There are various treatment options, and some of them work in a double way: treating and preventing at the same time.

  • Strict oral hygiene reduces the bacteria in the mouth and throat thus preventing infections.
  • Brush your teeth after every meal.
  • Don’t eat 30 minutes before going to bed.
  • Rinse the mouth with salt water (gargling is recommended as well) or with alcohol-free mouthwash.
  • Stick to a balanced diet with less refined sugar and dairies.

The doctor may recommend oral drug treatments (with antibiotics or antihistamines) depending on the severity and the cause of the condition.

All in all, finding out the cause increases chances to be rid of them for good.