Understanding what tonsil stones are
People with tonsil stones often complain of having the pain and discomfort brought about by these little hardened clumps that are lodge in their throats. In addition to the pain they experience, they also complain of the awful stench that often cause chronic bad breath. Understanding what these tonsil stones are can help us understand why they smell so bad and cause discomfort.
Tonsil stones, also called tonsilollith, are tiny, hard stones that form in the pocket or crypts of the tonsils. These stones contain high quantities of sulfa and bacteria, and when crushed, it produces the sulfuric smell of rotten eggs. People who have these stones have the sensation of something being caught in their throat, as those little hard stones are actually caught in the folds and tissue of the tonsils.
Most of people who have tonsil stones would resort to drastic measures to remove it, including using various instruments, cotton swabs, fingernails, and more to scratch them out. Unfortunately, these instruments end up damaging the soft tissue of the tonsils, and breaking open the stinky tonsil stones. Physicians and dentists would recommend the use of a water pick and the gargling of salt water to remove these tonsil stones. Using a foreign object may cause scarring to the throat while the water pick just sends a gentle stream of water to push or wash the stones out of the crypts, without crushing them and releasing the foul smell.
These smelly little tonsil stones would always leave a bad taste in the mouth. Gargling with strong mouthwashes and oxygenating mouthwashes can certainly eliminate bad breath and tonsil stones. These will not only freshen one’s mouth, it is also helpful in eliminating the bad taste as well as reducing the bacteria that cause the bad breath. Using a tongue scraper can also help remove the causes of tonsil stones. People with tonsil stones also find white film builds up on their tongue which is caused by too much bacteria and mucous. The tongue scraper will gently help scrape away the film on the tongue itself reducing the cause of bad breath.
Tonsil stones only develop and grow in the tonsils. Individuals with chronic problems of tonsil stones may benefit from tonsillectomy. This is a last resort surgical procedure suggested by most physicians if there are other serious symptoms and problems associated with recurring sore throats. This procedure is best discussed with one’s doctor. Although these stones are harmless, these are an irritating, smelly problem for people who get them.