What Are Tonsil Stones?

Many individuals believe the only stones that can form in the human body are kidney stones or gallbladder stones. However, the kidneys and gallbladder are not the only location stones can develop within the body! Surprisingly, the tonsils are another location where hard, painful stones can develop in certain individuals. Take a deep breathe and keep reading to reveal what tonsil stones are and how they form within the human body.

What Are Tonsils?

Tonsils are gland-like structures in the back of the throat, with each tonsil located in a pocket on each side. Tonsils are made of tissue containing lymphocytes, which are cells in the body that prevent and fight infections, and tonsils are believed to play a significant role when it comes to immunity and trapping incoming bacteria and virus particles passing through the throat. However, many medical experts agree tonsils do not often perform this function well, and rather become a hindrance, and evidence suggests individuals who have had their tonsils removed are no more likely to suffer from viral or bacterial infections than individuals with their tonsils intact.

Tonsil stones, also known as tonsilloliths, are hard white or yellow formations located on or within the tonsils, and many individuals who have them, do not even realize they have formed. Tonsil stones can range from the size of rice to a large grape, and in some instances, can grow into larger formations that can cause the tonsils to swell and have an unpleasant odor.

What Causes Tonsil Stones?

The tonsils are filled with numerous nooks and crannies called tonsil crypts, where bacteria, dead cells, mucus, and other debris can becoming trapped. When this occurs, the bacteria can become concentrated into white formations found in the pockets of the tonsils. The bacteria and fungi found in these pockets feed on this build up and causes a distinct odor. Tonsil stones develop when this trapped bacteria hardens or calcifies, which tends to happen to patients with chronic inflammation in their tonsils or repeated instances of tonsillitis. To learn more about tonsillitis, check out Tonsillitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments. Fortunately, many of these stones are rather small, and it is quite rare to have large and solidified tonsil stones develop. Potential causes of tonsil stones include poor dental hygiene, large tonsils, chronic sinus issues, and as previously mentioned, chronic tonsillitis or inflamed tonsils.

Tonsil Stones Symptoms

Many small tonsil stones, such as rice-sized ones, do not cause any noticeable symptoms, and in some cases, large tonsil stones can be discovered on X-rays or CT scans. Regardless of size, tonsil stones can have a variety of symptoms including bad breath, sore throat, white or yellow debris, difficulty swallowing, tonsil swelling, ear pain, and an ongoing cough. One of the predominant signs of tonsil stones is exceedingly bad breath, or halitosis, accompanying a tonsil infection. One study discovered the volatile sulfur compounds were found in a patient's bad breath, and seventy-five percent of the patients who had unusually high concentrations of these compounds had tonsil stones.

Some tonsil stones can also be visible in the back of the throat where a lump of solid white or yellow debris can be found. However, in most cases, tonsil stones are hidden in the folds of the tonsils. Ear pain can also develop as the tonsils and ears share nerve pathways, resulting in the patient experiencing discomfort in their ear. Tonsil swelling is another typical symptom, and occurs when inflammation from infection is present, as well as the tonsil stone itself may cause a tonsil to become swollen.

Treating Tonsil Stones

The proper treatment for tonsil stones varies and mainly depends on the size of the stone and its potential to further cause discomfort or harm. Treatment options include at-home removal, salt water gargles, antibiotics, surgical removal, and not treating the stones at all. Many tonsil stones, especially small stones with no accompanying symptoms, do not require any special treatment and can alleviate themselves. At-home removal includes an individual choosing to dislodge their tonsil stones at home with the use of picks or swabs, which is not recommended until the patient has a medical professional examine their stones.

Gargling with warm, salty water can be an immense help with easing discomfort, and antibiotics can be used to treat tonsil stones, as although it can alleviate pain, it does not correct the initial problem causing the tonsil stones.

Surgical Treatments For Tonsil Stones

Surgical treatments for tonsil stones are the only permanent and absolute way to guarantee their removal. The most common procedure used to remove tonsil stones is a tonsillectomy. During this procedure, a doctor will use a scalpel, laser, or another device to remove the tonsils completely. Using this method for tonsil stones is considered controversial in the medical field, as it is most commonly only utilized in severe, chronic cases- when all other treatment methods have been attempted and were unsuccessful. Although the procedure is generally considered extremely safe, it does come with risks, as with all surgeries. Bleeding, swelling, breathing issues, reactions to anesthesia, and infections are all possible and should be monitored for. If the symptoms of the tonsil stones are minor and do not greatly impact the patient, surgery might not outweigh the risks.

Recovering From Tonsil Surgery

Recovering from tonsil surgery typically takes around two weeks. Unfortunately, most who undergo a tonsillectomy will experience some degree of pain in the throat and sometimes the ears afterward. Discomfort may also be felt in the neck or jaw. To reduce pain, prevent complications, and promote a speedy recovery, it is important for patients to take prescribed medications as directed. This reduces the risk of infection and can relieve pain and inflammation. It's also important for patients to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. When eating, patients should opt for soft and easy-to-swallow foods. Additionally, it's crucial to avoid spicy and acidic foods, as they can irritate the sensitive areas and even cause bleeding. As with any post-operation care routine, getting adequate rest and avoiding strenuous activity is crucial as the body mends and restrengthens.

Complications Linked to Tonsil Stones

Generally speaking, tonsil stones are harmless and only sometimes discomforting. However, there are some complications linked to tonsil stones. They might be a sign of poor oral health and hygiene, such as in individuals who do not brush or floss regularly or properly. Likewise, the same bacteria that cause tonsil stones can also cause plaque, tooth decay, oral infections, and gum disease. patients might also notice bleeding in their saliva. Bacteria can also cause dehydration, fever, lightheadedness, weakness, and excessive thirst. Some patients report urinating less frequently or crying without the appearance of tears. Breathing problems can occur alongside tonsil stones, as well. The stones can cause minor blockages that lead to noisy breathing and snoring during sleep. While these are normal responses during the first week of recovery, anything beyond this period or with increasing intensity is problematic and warrants urgent care from a medical professional.

How To Prevent Tonsil Stones

Considering tonsil stones are more commonly seen in individuals who have chronic tonsillitis, the only guaranteed way to prevent tonsil stones is to have the tonsils surgically removed, known as a tonsillectomy. This, as noted earlier, is also used in the treatment of existing tonsil stones.

Some other helpful preventative measures individuals can take to prevent tonsil stones from forming include practicing good oral hygiene, including cleaning the bacteria off the back of the tongue when brushing the teeth, and to stop smoking. Gargling salt water on a regular basis, especially for individuals who have chronic tonsillitis, and drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated and to coat the throat can also greatly help prevent tonsil stones from developing.

Tonsil stones do not have tobe a hassle. With these simple preventative tips and treatments available, patients do not have to worry about developing tonsil stones. Now that's not a hard pill to swallow!