Do tonsil stones mean you have tonsillitis

Tonsil stones, or 'tonsilloliths', are small lumps of hardened material that can form in the tonsils. They can cause bad breath and are more common in adults than in children. The stones are usually small and it is rare to have a large tonsil stone.

Tonsil stones are not harmful and may not need to be treated, but surgical options are available if they become a problem.

What are the symptoms of tonsil stones?

Tonsil stones commonly cause bad breath. They can also cause an irritable cough, earache, sore throat or a foul taste in your mouth.

If you have tonsil stones, you might find it hard to swallow. It might feel like there's something stuck at the back of your throat. You might be able to see small patches of white on your tonsils.

Tonsil stones can also trigger infections and can be difficult to treat with antibiotics.

Tonsil stones don't always cause symptoms. Sometimes, they are found on a scan or x-ray or during a dental examination.

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What causes tonsil stones?

Tonsil stones are formed by debris that can build up in the tonsils. The tonsils are glands found at the back of your throat that help protect you against infection. The glands contain folds known as tonsillar crypts. Most tonsil stones are small, just 1mm to 2mm across. In some cases, however, they can be up to 1cm across.

If your tonsillar crypts are enlarged, minerals like calcium can become trapped and harden or calcify into stones. Bacteria or fungi that cause tonsillitis can also cause tonsil stones to form.

How are tonsil stones diagnosed?

If you think you might have tonsil stones, your doctor will talk to you and examine you. The stones might or might not be visible and a scan might help to find them if they are not obvious.

If the stones are dislodged and examined, they will usually smell foul.

How are tonsil stones treated?

While you can manage the symptoms of tonsil stones, such as bad breath, there is no specific treatment for them. Good oral hygiene is important. This includes gargling with warm salt water and brushing your teeth regularly.

During vigorous gargling, the tonsil stones may become detached. Some people choose to dislodge them with a dental pick or swab. Be gentle if you decide to do this.

Removing tonsil stones

You might decide you want the tonsil stones surgically removed. This option is best discussed with your doctor, who can refer you to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist. The specialist will examine your tonsil stones and provide advice on the best course of action.

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When you hear the word stones in reference to a health issue, your mind probably goes straight to kidney stones. However, another type of stone that people have often never heard of until their dentist explains the condition is tonsil stones. Some people are more susceptible to getting recurring tonsil stones than others, and they most commonly affect those who have chronic inflammation in their tonsils. 

Learn more about why you may be experiencing tonsil stones and what you can do to prevent them from becoming a reoccurring issue. 

Common Causes of Tonsil Stones

Your tonsils are filled with nooks and crannies where bacteria can become trapped. As a result, the bacteria and debris combine to create a white pus formation in the pockets, and tonsil stones form when the trapped debris hardens. 

The most common causes of tonsil stones include:

• Bacterial infections 
• Viral infections 
• Streptococcus bacteria 
• Adenoviruses 
• Influenza virus
• Herpes simplex virus
• Parainfluenza virus
• Enteroviruses

Symptoms of Tonsillitis 

While the main symptom of tonsillitis is inflammation and swelling of the tonsils, there are a few other symptoms to watch for if you think you are experiencing tonsil stones, including:

• Persistent bad breath
• A frequent sore throat
• Trouble swallowing
• Earaches and ear pain
• Ongoing cough
• Swollen tonsils 
• White or yellow debris on the tonsils 

Preventing Tonsil Stones From Forming

Tonsil stones are most commonly found in those who experience chronic tonsillitis. The most effective way to prevent both tonsil stones and tonsillitis is to have your tonsils surgically removed. A tonsillectomy removes the tissues of the tonsils entirely, and in trade, eliminates all possibilities of further health issues with your tonsils. 

Undergoing a tonsillectomy typically leaves patients with difficulty swallowing and a sore throat for a few days to a week after the procedure. Once the patient is healed, they will no longer experience pain and discomfort from tonsil infections. 

Home Remedies and Treatments 

If you have tonsil stones, they may reoccur regularly if you choose not to have your tonsils surgically removed. While there are a few preventative steps you can take to keep them from returning, surgical intervention will likely be necessary at some point in the future. 

Home remedies and treatments include:

Improving your oral hygiene habits.

Practice good oral hygiene at home, including cleaning the bacteria off the back of your tongue with a toothbrush when you brush your teeth.

Quit smoking.

Eliminate smoking or using other tobacco products that could be creating the bacteria in your throat that is causing you to have tonsil stones. 

Gargling with saltwater. 

Gargle vigorously with a saltwater rinse to ease throat discomfort and help dislodge stuck tonsil stones. Try dissolving ½ teaspoon of table salt in a cup with 8oz of warm water and gargle. 

Hydrate.

Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water to keep tonsil stones from forming. Water can also increase natural saliva production and help to change the chemistry in your mouth. 

Cough.

Energetic coughing can help to loosen stones. Try coughing after first gargling saltwater when the stones have been loosened with liquid. 

Antibiotics.

Antibiotics can help lower the bacteria count that plays a crucial role in the development and growth of future tonsil stones. Antibiotics should not be used as a long-term solution because they will not treat the underlying cause of the stones.

When To Worry About Tonsil Stones

Sure, they may be uncomfortable and annoying, but how can you tell if your tonsil stones should receive professional attention? It comes down to the size and location of the stone, as well as your discomfort level. 

When in doubt, check-in with your dentist and discuss whether you should consider having your tonsils removed. If you experience chronic tonsil infections and tonsil stones, a tonsillectomy could be the answer to your recurring pains. 

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