Tonsillolith Symptoms, Causes & More
Article Sources
- 1. Krespi, Yosef P., and Victor Kizhner. 'Laser Tonsil Cryptolysis: In-Office 500 Cases Review.’ American Journal of Otolaryngology, W.B. Saunders, 10 Apr. 2013, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0196070913000690#
- 2. C. Chang; R. Thrasher. 'Coblation Cryptolysis to Treat Tonsil Stones: a Retrospective Case Series.’ Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22711390/
- 3. Alfayez, Abdulrhman, et al. 'A Giant Tonsillolith.’ Saudi Medical Journal, Saudi Medical Journal, Apr. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5938656/
Removing Tonsil Stones
Tonsilloliths are typically harmless. However, many people choose to have them removed when they cause discomfort or produce a bad odor. Options for addressing tonsil stones range from home remedies, such as gargling with salt water, to medical procedures.
Using salt water to gargle vigorously may dislodge the tonsilloliths and ease a person's throat discomfort. The salt water may also alter the oral microbiome and potentially eliminate the bad smell from tonsilloliths. Coughing energetically may also loosen the stones.
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