Do you suffer from bad breath and chronic throat infections? You might be a member of the tonsillolith club! Tonsilloliths, commonly known as tonsil stones, are a common oral problem for adults.
Approximately 5% to 6% of people experience tonsil stones. But what are they, and are they dangerous to your health? Get the answers here and learn how your dentist in Coquitlam can help.
What Are Tonsil Stones?
Tonsil stones are hard calcified deposits that form in the crevices of your tonsils. They're usually yellow or white and can range from microscopic bits to several centimeters in size. One of the biggest tonsil stones ever removed measured 3.1 × 2.3 cm (about the size of a grape!)
You might have tonsil stones if you notice some of these common symptoms:
- Bad breath
- Bad taste in your mouth
- Ticklish or itchy throat
- Chronic cough
- Trouble swallowing
- Irritated or swollen tonsils
- Difficult to treat throat infections
- Ear or throat pain
Some people are asymptomatic, while others can clearly see the stones. Many people find out they suffer from tonsilloliths when they cough or sneeze too hard. The vibrations can dislodge the stone, causing it to fly out.
What Causes Tonsil Stones?
Tonsil stones are the result of food or debris getting trapped. The mucous membrane that covers your tonsils contains crevices where these bits tend to accumulate. Some people have deeper crevices, making it easier for tonsil stones to get stuck.
The most common causes of tonsil stones include:
- A history of tonsillitis
- The shape of your tonsils
- Poor oral hygiene
- Using tobacco products
- Chronic dehydration
Your family dentist always stresses the importance of proper oral care. But skipping the floss and not brushing well doesn't just affect your teeth and gums; it can lead to more tonsil stones!
Are Tonsil Stones Dangerous?
Tonsil stones are not usually dangerous. They might be annoying and embarrassing, but they won't cause serious physical harm. The worst that can happen is that they become too large to be ignored.
But if your tonsil stones come with severe ear or throat pain, it's best to see a doctor. There might be an underlying reason that's irritating your tonsils. Your local dentist can also remove any large, bothersome tonsil stones.
Getting Rid of Tonsil Stones
If you've noticed a few tonsil stones and want to get rid of them, there are a few methods to try. You can attempt to remove them yourself or visit the best dentist in Coquitlam! But a mild case of tonsil stones is usually easy to treat using these tips:
- Gargling with warm salt water or mouthwash
- Coughing or sneezing into a tissue
- Using a cotton swab to dislodge them
- Flushing them out with a water pick
If none of these methods work, seeking professional dental services is the next step. A recommended dentist can easily remove larger stones embedded deep in the tonsils.
Visit a Dentist in Coquitlam
Tonsil stones aren't dangerous, but this issue can lead to frustration and embarrassment. The best way to prevent bad breath and chronic throat infections is by practicing excellent oral hygiene! Need some help with that?
Visit Brookmere Dental Group, your friendly dentist in Coquitlam. We offer family, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry in a friendly environment. Schedule an appointment today, and we'll take care of those stones!
