Tonsil Stones: Symptoms, Causes & How to Get Rid of Them

Tonsil stones are small white or yellow masses that can form in the throat and become embedded in the tonsils. They are made-up of food particles, saliva, and skin cells from the mouth and tongue, which form together and harden. Having tonsil stones can cause symptoms like foul breath, sore throat and, in some cases, difficulty swallowing. 

Tonsil stones are also referred to as tonsilloliths, and more common in adults who frequently have throat infections or tonsillitis. To get rid of tonsil stones, you can gargle warm salt water about two to three times a day, which will also relieve discomfort and bad breath.

If you frequently experience tonsil stones and have chronic throat infections, your doctor may consider removing your tonsils.

Main symptoms

Tonsil stones are small white or yellow masses that get trapped in grooves in your tonsils.

They can cause symptoms like:

• Pain when swallowing
• Bad breath
• Sore throat
• Difficulty swallowing
• Swelling of the tonsils
• Ear ache (in some cases)
• Changes in sense of taste
• Snoring
• Feeling of something obstructing the throat.

When the above symptoms are present, it is important to see an ear, nose, and throat specialist (otolaryngologist), or a dentist, in order to determine the best treatment approach.

Can you swallow a tonsil stone?

Swallowing a tonsil stone is safe, as it is consists of natural particles from the mouth and our food that would have been swallowed regardless. 

Studies on tonsil stones show that these are not actually stones, but rather biofilm structures. That means that tonsil stones are made-up of microorganisms that are able to stick to a moist surface and reproduce more cells. Calcification of the outer tonsil stone is what gives it a "harder" or stone-like quality. 

Common causes

The main causes of tonsil stones are:

• Build-up of food debris in the tonsils;
• Bacterial plaques in the back of the throat;
• Poor oral hygiene;
• Use of medications that cause dry mouth;
• Chronic tonsillitis, rhinitis or sinusitis.

The formation of tonsil stones can occur due to the proliferation of microorganisms, leading to inflammation of the tonsils and the formation of lumps in the throat.

How to get rid of tonsil stones

In most cases, tonsil stones do not require any treatment, as they detach themselves naturally from the tonsils, and can be swallowed without even being noticed. However, when there is pain, discomfort, or bad breath due to tonsil stones, certain treatments may be recommended.

Often, tonsil stones can be treated at home by gargling with saline solutions, mouthwashes, or natural solutions with antibacterial properties. It may take up to 3 days for improvement in the stones and bad breath to be noted.

Below are some ways to treat tonsil stones:

1. Gargling with warm water and salt

Warm water and salt have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial action when gargles, and can help to relieve a sore throat and remove bacteria that can cause throat inflammation and infection, as well as get rid of tonsil stones.

To gargle with warm water and salt, mix one teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and mix. You can gargle this solution several times a day.

2. Mouthwash

Gargles can also be done with a mouthwash as recommended by an otolaryngologist.

Ideally, they should not contain alcohol, as this substance can dry out the oral mucosa and increase the formation of tonsil stones.

3. Remove with a cotton swab

You can also try to remove the tonsil stones with a cotton swab by gently pressing on the areas of the tonsil where the stones are lodged. Do not exert too much force as you may risk damaging the tissue. Once removed, you should gargle with water and salt or with a suitable rinse to cleanse the tonsils. 

Although it can work, this technique is often not recommended by specialists, as it can damage tonsil tissue if done incorrectly. This technique should particularly not be used in children.

4. Medications

Your doctor can also prescribe medications to relieve symptoms of tonsil stones, like inflammation or infections. 

Many patients may benefit from taking anti-inflammatories or antibiotics.

4. Teas for tonsil stones 

Natural remedies for tonsil stones should contain antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties to prevent the formation of the white flecks and to improve associated symptoms.

One option is a pomegranate and propolis rinse, which is also a natural antibiotic. To make this rinse, just add 20 grams of pomegranate leaves or flowers, and 3 drops of propolis to 2 cups of boiling water. Let this infusion cool, then strain and gargle for 30 seconds up to 5 times a day.

Another option is to drink or gargle with broadleaf plantain (scientifically known as Plantago Major L.) tea, as this medicinal plant has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and astringent properties, helping in the treatment of tonsil stones. To make the tea, just add 10 grams of plantain leaves to 500 mL boiling water and let it steep for about 15 minutes. Then filter and drink about 3 cups of tea a day.

5. Surgery

Surgery for tonsil stones is only recommended by an otolaryngologist when other treatment options have not been effective. They are usually done in patients who present with frequent tonsillitis, heavy discomfort or intense halitosis.

In these cases, the doctor can suggest a tonsillectomy, which consists of removing both tonsils. 

Home remedies

Home remedies for tonsil stones typically contain antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to prevent new tonsil stones from forming and to relieve symptoms.

Some options include preparing pomegranate and propolis mouthwash, which is also a natural antibiotic, or gargling with broadleaf plantain tea.

Home remedies for tonsil stones should not replace the treatment prescribed by your doctor, and should instead be used as a complement.