Have you ever wondered what the human tonsils are really for? According to doctors, the fleshy tissue that you see near the opening of the throat is intended to capture bacteria, and other potential micro invaders, so that they never reach the gastrointestinal tract and the other organs.
It is unfortunate, however, that tonsils frequently miss those tiny invaders. While tonsils have the potential for capturing a variety of viruses and bacteria, they often get infected themselves and begin to swell. They can also form calcification that is known as tonsil stones or tonsilloliths.
These stones generally anchor themselves in the crevices or folds of the tonsils. As a rule, they are not harmful to humans, and those working in the medical field tell us that most of us who still have our tonsils form tonsil stones. It is a very small portion of the population that forms larger calcification's and tonsil stones.
Signs and Symptoms of Tonsil Stones
The best way to find out whether you have tonsil stones or not is to consult with your doctor. Symptoms that are typical of stones are: in severe cases, halitosis, difficulty and pain during swallowing. Generally speaking it is the inflammation caused by tonsil stones that causes pain. Larger obstructions make it much easier for inflammation to begin.
Extremely large tonsil stones (40 grams in weight and above) are usually removed surgically. Don't worry - the surgery itself is very minor, and in most cases you will be up and running a few minutes after the removal of the offending tonsil stone. Some people also routinely remove tonsil stones with small picks or even long swabs. Do this only if your doctor has examined you. It won't do you any harm, but remember: picking your mouth can be really difficult especially if you have a quick and powerful gag reflex. The tonsil stones will most likely be attached to the very opening of the throat, which can easily trigger the gag reflex.
If you would rather not having to worry about removing stones yourself or worry that your gag reflex will prevent you from being successful, your doctor can do this for you. Since doctors have numbing agents available to them they can suppress this reflex while performing the surgical treatment of tonsil stones.
If your tonsil stones are relatively small, and you don't have any difficulty swallowing, you may want to try gargling with warm salt water to help soothe the discomfort. Gargling with warm water can help reduce any swelling in the area.
Salt is a natural antibiotic that can help reduce the number of bacteria living in your mouth and throat. Gargling with warm salt water is a home remedy, but doctors actually recommend it for the treatment of tonsil stones. It might be effective and eliminate your throat discomfort if your daily oral hygiene routine isn't quite up to snuff.
It is unfortunate, however, that tonsils frequently miss those tiny invaders. While tonsils have the potential for capturing a variety of viruses and bacteria, they often get infected themselves and begin to swell. They can also form calcification that is known as tonsil stones or tonsilloliths.
These stones generally anchor themselves in the crevices or folds of the tonsils. As a rule, they are not harmful to humans, and those working in the medical field tell us that most of us who still have our tonsils form tonsil stones. It is a very small portion of the population that forms larger calcification's and tonsil stones.
Signs and Symptoms of Tonsil Stones
The best way to find out whether you have tonsil stones or not is to consult with your doctor. Symptoms that are typical of stones are: in severe cases, halitosis, difficulty and pain during swallowing. Generally speaking it is the inflammation caused by tonsil stones that causes pain. Larger obstructions make it much easier for inflammation to begin.
Extremely large tonsil stones (40 grams in weight and above) are usually removed surgically. Don't worry - the surgery itself is very minor, and in most cases you will be up and running a few minutes after the removal of the offending tonsil stone. Some people also routinely remove tonsil stones with small picks or even long swabs. Do this only if your doctor has examined you. It won't do you any harm, but remember: picking your mouth can be really difficult especially if you have a quick and powerful gag reflex. The tonsil stones will most likely be attached to the very opening of the throat, which can easily trigger the gag reflex.
If you would rather not having to worry about removing stones yourself or worry that your gag reflex will prevent you from being successful, your doctor can do this for you. Since doctors have numbing agents available to them they can suppress this reflex while performing the surgical treatment of tonsil stones.
If your tonsil stones are relatively small, and you don't have any difficulty swallowing, you may want to try gargling with warm salt water to help soothe the discomfort. Gargling with warm water can help reduce any swelling in the area.
Salt is a natural antibiotic that can help reduce the number of bacteria living in your mouth and throat. Gargling with warm salt water is a home remedy, but doctors actually recommend it for the treatment of tonsil stones. It might be effective and eliminate your throat discomfort if your daily oral hygiene routine isn't quite up to snuff.
About the Author:
Learn more about the treatment of tonsil stones. Stop by Michael S Jarvis's site where you can find out all about tonsilloliths.
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