Guide To The Prevention, Treatment, And Removal Of Tonsil Stones

Cotton Swab Removal

Tonsil stones don't need to be removed if they aren't causing any symptoms. The first line of treatment tends to be gargling at home. However, if gargling doesn't seem to be helping, one option is to engage in a cotton swab removal. A cotton swab can be used to loosen the stone, and patients can also press the swab gently on the tonsil tissue around the stone to help dislodge the stone. Combining this technique with gargling can sometimes help loosen a stone more effectively than gargling alone. The best method is to slide the swab behind the tonsil stone and then push forward, which will pull the tonsil stone further toward the mouth rather than pushing it into the throat. It's important not to push too hard with the cotton swab, since this can cause individuals to injure the back of their throat. It's also important for patients to not use their fingers or any sharp implements to attempt the removal of a tonsil stone.

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Tonsillectomy

A tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the tonsils. It can be especially beneficial for patients who have recurrent tonsil stones or repeated episodes of tonsillitis. Tonsillectomies require general anesthesia, and they are typically performed at outpatient surgery centers. Patients having this procedure should not take acetylsalicylic acid for at least two weeks before the operation, and no food should be eaten after midnight on the day of the surgery. During the tonsillectomy, the surgeon uses a scalpel or a heat-emitting device to remove both tonsils. Patients can normally go home a few hours after the procedure is finished, and a friend or family member will need to drive the patient home. For adults, recovery from a tonsillectomy may take ten to fourteen days; recovery for children is usually faster.

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