Many people struggle with tonsil stones. Now, you may be wondering: How do I know if I have tonsil stones? You may have tonsil stones if you have ever experienced intermittent sore throats, the sensation of something stuck in your throat, or bad breath. We'll go over what tonsil stones are, why they form, how to remove them, and how to keep them from returning in this blog post.
When bacteria, food particles, mucus, and dead cells get stuck in the small crevices of the tonsils, then tonsil stones develop. If they are left untreated, this trapped debris hardens into stone-like formations. Here’s how tonsil stones vary:
Even people with excellent oral hygiene can still develop tonsil stones, but some bad habits can increase the risk of developing tonsil stones.
You may not realise that you have tonsil stones because they don’t always lead to noticeable symptoms. However, when symptoms occur, you may notice the following signs:
If you notice these symptoms, then you may have developed tonsil stones and need medical attention to manage or prevent it. If you think that you have tonsil stones, you can see Glenroy GP at Magnus Medical Clinic.
Oral bacteria are the common cause of developing tonsil stones. Saliva, bacteria, and food particles may get stuck in and around the tonsils just like on your teeth. It’s advised to brush your teeth twice a day, and flossing daily can also help prevent tonsil stone from developing.
When dead cells, food particles and other debris get stuck in the crevices of your tonsils, they can turn into small hard stones. Bacteria grow in these stones. When bacteria break down proteins, they produce smelly sulphur compounds. Even small tonsil stones can lead to bad breath.
Bad breath is the most common symptom of tonsil stones. The smell of tonsil stones is sulfuric, like rotten eggs. This is because of volatile sulphur compounds released by the bacteria stuck within tonsil stones.
No, tonsil stones are not contagious, and you cannot transmit them to anyone else.
Tonsillitis is an infection that can lead to swollen, inflamed, and sore tonsils, and many people notice symptoms like difficulty swallowing and fever. On the other hand, tonsil stones are hard lumps that form from stuck debris in the tonsil crypts, and while they can cause throat discomfort and bad breath, they are not the same as an infection. A major distinction is that tonsillitis involves sudden, acute inflammation, whereas tonsil stones result from accumulated debris that can cause ongoing, chronic irritation or infection.
No, without tonsils, you cannot get tonsil stones, as they form in the crevices of tonsil tissue. However, they can still occur post-tonsillectomy if residual tonsil tissue is left or if stones form in related tissues like the adenoids or in scar tissue.
You can’t always prevent tonsil stones. However, here are a few ways to reduce your risk:
Conclusion
While tonsil stones rarely cause any serious health problems, they can be irritating and contribute to bad breath. If you notice the symptoms of tonsil stones, make sure to get a consultation with professional doctors at Magnus Medical Centre Glenroy.
