There are tonsil stones that can be a real problem. There are tonsil stones, also known as tonsilloliths or tonsilliths, which are benign accumulations ofbacteria and debris in the crypts of some people. This problem is not dangerous and can be easily treated.

The tonsils are part of a protection system that keeps foreign objects out of the lungs. They are also a part of the immune system, which is why they produce white blood cells and antibodies. Food, dirt, and other particles can get stuck in the groves on the surface of the tonsils. The grooves collect old cells andbacteria.

The white blood cells attack the foreign objects. Hard particles remain on the tonsils when the white blood cells are finished. Most people just swallow what's left and don't know that it was there in the first place. The particles will continue to grow if they are lodged in the crypts. According to the Cleveland Clinic, these growing objects are called tonsil stones.

According to a study, tonsil stones are more alive than actual stones. The researchers found that the stones breathe oxygen. A robust layer is formed by a collection of organisms.

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Teens and people with large tonsils are more likely to have tonsil stones. Poor dental hygiene can cause tonsil stones.

Teens and people with large tonsils are more likely to have tonsil stones. Poor dental hygiene can cause tonsil stones.

People with throat stones can feel something stuck in their throats. Chronic, mild sore throat and tonsillitis are some of the symptoms.

There are tonsil stones in the mirror. According to a dentist in London, the tonsils look like they are made of prunes.

The tonsil stones can be seen as white, yellow or grey. This isn't always the case. There are tonsil stones that are not visible because they are inside the tonsil.

There are tonsil stones that can grow to 2 millimeters across. According to the Australian Government Department of Health, they can be up to 1 centimeters across.

A tonsil stone in a patients mouth

A tonsil stone in a patients mouth.  (Image credit: Getty Images)

Treatment

One way to cure tonsil stones is to remove them with a toothbrush. The Cleveland Clinic recommends several other at- home options if that doesn't work. Showalter said that using a cotton swab to express them from the little small cavities that are visible is another option. A water flossing device such as a Waterpik can be used to power wash the tonsils.

The tonsil stones can be difficult to remove at home. An ear, nose and throat specialist can often remove stones. If a person gets tonsil stones often, the patient and doctor may discuss removing the tonsils.

A last resort cure is tonsillectomy. This surgery carries risks of anesthesia, pain and bleeding, as well as other risks, so a decision of this type must be balanced by a risk/benefit discussion.

Prevention

Good dental hygiene can prevent the formation of tonsil stones. The first thing in the morning is when to brush teeth and tongue. Flossing teeth can help clean outbacteria. gargling daily suing commercial gargles or a homemade solution of hydrogen peroxide and water was suggested by Voigt. The Mayo Clinic does not recommend using a mouthwash that has alcohol in it.

Additional resources

The American Academy of otology has a page on tonsil stones, as well as elf-care steps that may help prevent them from returning.

Bibliography

Paul Stoodley and his colleagues wrote about tonsillolith, a stone but a living biofilm.

Matthew Ferguson and his co-authors wrote "Halitosis and the Tonsils: A Review of Management".

The Tonsillolith: A Panoramic Radiograph presentation was published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research.

The Kent and Medway Policy Recommendation and Guidance Committee will meet in March 2020.