How to Easily Get Rid of Tonsil Stones

You have heard about tonsil stones and the sometimes desperate measures taken to get rid of them, but could you possibly have them? You keep trying to clear your throat of the feeling that something is stuck there. You feel the need to cough, even though you don't have any symptoms of a cold or flu. And worst of all, is that awful taste in your mouth, which tells you your breath is way offensive to everyone around you. Do any of these symptoms sound familiar? If so, it may be possible that you are suffering from tonsil stones or tonsilloliths.We have all heard of kidney stones, but there are other parts of the body where troublesome stones can appear, such as the tonsils. Tonsil stones are small whitish calcified formations which can weigh as much as 42 grams each and they can cause a variety of problems for those prone to the condition.Why Me?Developing tonsilloliths can generally be contributed to two main factors. The first factor to be considered in the development of tonsil stones is your very own set of tonsils. The majority of people have tonsils that are relatively smooth which provides a difficult surface for the stones to attach to. Tonsils are comprised of a highly complicated system of crypts (pockets throughout the tonsils), but the number and depth can effect tonsil health. If you are unfortunate enough to have a great number of deep crypts on your tonsils you will have an increased risk of developing stones. This type of deep environment is perfect for the calcified bad guys to find hiding spots in which to take root and cause you untold misery.The second contributing factor is bacteria. We all have bacteria in our mouths, but if your system is not doing a good job of cleansing, the bacteria will add to the formula for creating stones, as well as cause the sometimes horrific halitosis that is often associated with tonsil stones.What to DoUsing a mirror and good lighting, take a look at the back of your throat. You may or may not be able to see any stones. The throat and tonsils have many folded layers, so it's conceivable that if you have tonsil stones, they may be hidden within these folds. Your doctor will probably have more success with a visual examination, but a CT scan can also be used to pinpoint where they are located.If the stones are not causing you too many problems, your doctor many suggest warm salt water gargles or some other simple pain relieving solution to alleviate the throat pain that is often associated with these benign growths.If the pain is frequent and just too much to handle, your ear, nose and throat specialist can remove the tonsil stones in a simple office visit with or without local anesthetic (depending on your discomfort level and gag reflex).If you are more inclined to do it yourself, then you are not alone. Many people successfully remove their stones without the doctor visit. This self extraction can be done with a wet cotton swab or a non-sharp dental pick. Even gentle brushing can sometimes dislodge the stones. People have reported success using a gentle spray from an oral irrigator, such as a Waterpik. However, caution and a gentle touch should be used if you decide to undertake any removal project on your own.If you experience more pain than is comfortable, then relying on your ENT doctor to surgically remove the stones might be advisable. Remember that they may return, as it can be a recurring condition, but in the meantime, you can enjoy life again, without the worry of a sore throat and bad breath.