If you’re reading this, then you probably have tonsil stones. They are an embarrassing problem that many people suffer from but don’t want to talk about. In fact, this problem can be so debilitating for your social life that you may even consider a tonsillectomy, which has its own problems.
Don’t panic! You can actually remove tonsil stones naturally without resorting to invasive surgery.
To remove tonsil stones naturally, gargle with an oxygenating mouthwash
, salt water, apple cider vinegar, honey, or some kind of essential oil. This is only needed if they are stuck. Usually, tonsil stones are dissolved, coughed up, or swallowed naturally as soon as they form. You can also use special tools for removal.
Lucky for you, I am here to tell you everything there is to know about them and how to remove them naturally! This article will tell you how you can identify them, and I’ll share 7 ways to remove tonsil stones naturally.
Identifying Tonsil Stones
Tonsil stones (also known as tonsil calculi or tonsilloliths) are hard – sometimes painful – white formations located on your throat (on or within the tonsils). The tonsils are gland-like structures located on each side of your cheek and are made of lymphocytes, which are meant to prevent infections.
When bits of bacteria, dead cells, and debris such as food gets stuck in the nooks on your tonsils, they form tonsil stones.
Sometimes, tonsil stones can irritate your tonsils and cause pain. They also range in size. Some can be very large, while others are small enough to go unnoticed. But in almost all cases they will cause severely bad breath.
Many experts believe tonsils play a role in our immune system, as they sometimes trap bacteria and other viruses that cause throat infections. Tonsil stones are a sign they’re doing their job efficiently.
Use Specialized Tonsil Stone Removal Tools
One simple method to remove tonsil stones naturally is to sweep tonsil stones using a cotton swab, but I have found the best results when using a lighted tonsil stone removal tool (Amazon).
This method has a high risk of injury if you use too much force on your soft tissue, so it’s not recommended for children. Also, you may wish to be alone in a quiet place while executing this method to avoid someone suddenly startling you, possibly causing an accident.
To get started, follow the steps below:
- Open your mouth wide and use the mirror to locate the stones.
- While your mouth is wide open with your tongue sticking out, use a wet cotton swab to gently and pull out the tonsil stones. Take care to avoid touching the middle part of your throat, as it’s very easy to trigger a gag reflex.
- Use water or an oxygenating mouthwash to gargle and rinse your mouth.
- Repeat the process until all traces of the stones are gone.
Note: Many people find wetting the swab useful since it prevents their gag reflex from triggering. Also, you can remove the cotton fuzz from the end, making it much smaller and easier to handle.
Check out my article on how to deal with your gag reflex when removing tonsil stones.
Use Essential Oils To Kill Bad Bacteria
Essential oils can also be used to remove tonsil stones too. Some oils, such as lemongrass, have anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce or prevent tonsil stones.
There are two ways you can use essential oils for the tonsil stones:
- Dip a cotton swab in a mixture of essential and carrier oils and then use it to apply on the affected area.
- Put two drops of the mixture on a toothbrush and use it to brush your teeth the normal way you usually do.
Make sure you purchase essential oils designed for oral use.
Many brands are designed only for topical treatments or essential oil vaporizers. Using the wrong type of oil can lead to severe side effects and discomfort.
Use an Oral Irrigator To Flush Out Tonsil Stones
Oral irrigation is one of the best ways I’ve found for removing, and preventing, tonsil stones. Just be sure to use the lowest pressure setting or you will injure yourself.
In fact, I recommend the using a manual pump oral irrigator like this one (Amazon), or this specific low powered water flosser by Cremax because of it’s ultra-low PSI setting.
When you spray it in the folds and crypts of your tonsils, the stones will get flushed out like a your strip mining.
To do this, put the irrigator inside your mouth, point it at the tonsil stones, and then turn it on. Keep aiming at one position until the stones on that area have dislodged themselves.
Gargle Saltwater
Salt and water work like a charm for removing tonsil stones. Follow the steps below:
- Simply dissolve a tablespoon of salt in a glass of warm water.
- Take a sip of the water and with your head tilted upwards, gargle it for a few seconds at a time and then spit it out.
- Do not swallow the water, as this can cause nausea.
Repeat this two to three times and a day, and the tonsil stones will start dislodging and falling out.
Gargle Oxygenating Mouthwash
Using an oxygenating mouthwash not only helps keep mouth bacteria away, but it’s also a great way to rid yourself of tonsil stones. Like gargling saltwater, the mouthwash from Therabreath removes and dislodges food and bacteria from the craters and helps prevent the formation of tonsil stones.
One important aspect of mouthwash that you should be aware of is that alcoholic based mouthwash can dry out your mouth, which is a leading cause of tonsil stone formation and anaerobic bacteria growth. So avoid your typical mouthwashes if possible.
Gargle Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar acidity helps break down and melts tonsil stones like butter. For the best results, check out my article on creating your own solution. You will need Apple Cider Vinegar, Lemon juice, and Himalayan Pink salt. Dilute in water and gargle generously.
However, apple cider vinegar can wear enamel, causing tooth decay. Therefore, rinse your mouth with water after using and be careful.
Eat Probiotics Like Yogurt
Eating yogurt often can also help prevent tonsil stones from forming. Yogurt contains lactobacillus acidophilus and other useful probiotics that can get rid of bacteria. When you eat yogurt, these probiotics immediately get to work and help kill off the bad bacteria that causes the putrid smell.
There are also some foods you should avoid as well, such as certain nuts and meats with nitrates. For more information on that, check out my in-depth article on diet tips for preventing tonsil stones.
Preventing Tonsil Stones
The best way to avoid tonsil stones is with preventative maintenance, like for your car.
Using the water flosser every morning before brushing your teeth will flush out anything that had been forming overnight and will significantly improve your breath for the rest of the day.
Additionally, gargling with saltwater regularly can also prevent tonsil stones from forming in the first place. Some people find it difficult to prevent tonsil stones since they have tonsillar crypts.
These porous spots are perfect breeding grounds for anaerobic bacteria, so gargling will help kill them off.
Final Thoughts
If you have tonsil stones, the above natural methods will help you treat them.
Consult a medical doctor if the symptoms persist; however, prevention is best. Updating your oral hygiene methods will not only keep the tonsil stones away but also keep your teeth, gum, and throat healthy.
Check out the rest of my blog for more tips on living a life free of tonsil stones!
