Tonsil stones or tonsilloliths are the small whitish residues that are usually found deep in the throat. However, they usually have no symptoms and cause minor difficulties, such as pain when swallowing, inflammation of the red tonsils and bad breath that we all know and hate.
In this article, Crfat Sides wants to share with you some ways to get rid of tonsil stones by yourself. We also want to tell you when you need to see your doctor and how to prevent your recurrence.
Best Way To Remove Tonsil Stones
1. Removing Tonsil Stones Using Cotton Swabs
Gather these items together with the cotton swabs:
- A mirror
- A toothbrush
- A flashlight
- Running water
Open your mouth and turn on the flashlight in your throat. Doing this in front of a mirror will help you see the tonsil stones.
Stretch your tongue and say: “Ahh!” To strengthen the muscles in the back of the throat. This should help push the tonsils forward to see them better.
Run some water on the cotton swab to make it softer and less irritating to the throat. Avoid placing it on the counter to avoid contamination.
Chop the stones gently with the cotton swab and press the tonsil stone until you move it. Then gently remove it from the mouth with the cotton.
Be very kind too, since it can bleed. However, sometimes some bleeding is normal, but you should be careful to minimize it. Remember, cuts and wounds can become infected with the same bacteria that caused the stones.
Rinse your mouth with water to make sure all stones are removed, especially if the saliva is a little sticky. Just drink water to tune in.
2. Using An Oral Irrigator
You can also use oral irrigators, such as water picks, which are often used to expel tonsil stones from their cavities simply by using them in the lowest setting.
But before buying it, first, test it on the tonsils to see if the spray is too strong. If so and it hurts in some way, avoid using it to remove your stones.
Place the sprinkler inside the mouth without touching the stone and turn the sprinkler to its lowest setting. Then direct the flow of water towards a visible stone and keep it stable until the stone moves.
3. Gargle To Remove And Prevent Stones
Gargling with mouthwash after eating is also great advice since tonsil stones usually form after food gets stuck in the holes.
It is recommended to gargle with an alcohol-free mouthwash after eating. Washing not only improves the health of teeth and gums but also helps to dislodge small pieces of food.
In addition, a mixture of warm salt water is the best for gargling, as it displaces food from the tonsil craters. You should mix a teaspoon of salt in 6 ounces of water and stir until mixed.
Gargle with saltwater with your head tilted back. Saltwater tends to relieve any discomfort caused by tonsillitis.
You can also invest in oxygenated mouthwashes, as they contain chlorine dioxide and natural zinc compounds that help prevent bacterial growth due to the presence of oxygen.
However, oxygenated mouthwashes are very strong, so they should only be used once or twice a week. You can also complement your oxygenated mouthwash with a natural wash.
4. Gargle With Apple Cider Vinegar
Vinegar tends to break the tonsils due to its acid content. Dilute some apple cider vinegar with water in a glass and gargle. Start by mixing a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a glass of warm water and gargling. Try this 3 times a day, as it can help loosen the stones faster.
However, it should be noted that there are risks to the use of apple cider, which include the possibility of digestive problems and tooth decay.
5. Use Of Essential Oils
Essential oils such as lemongrass and myrrh oil can also help reduce tonsil stones due to their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Start by diluting the essential oil in a carrier oil and place 1 or 2 drops on a toothbrush before brushing the stones. It is recommended that you do not use this toothbrush going forward due to the number of bacteria involved.
6. Using A Simple Toothbrush
Using the back of a toothbrush (which is also the flat side), try to carefully lift the tonsil tissue and find the hardened deposits. Gargle with saltwater later to prevent future bacterial infections.
By brushing your tongue frequently, as well as your teeth, you can reduce the excessive amount of bacteria in your mouth and avoid the formation of tonsil stones in the future.
7. Eat Yogurt
Yogurt is also a good antidote for the prevention of tonsil stones, as it contains lactobacillus acidophilus and other beneficial probiotics, each with unique health benefits.
Probiotics help eliminate bacteria that cause tonsil stones.
Have you had tonsil stones before? What methods did you use to eliminate them and what can you recommend? Share your experience with us in the comments below.
Image/Illustrated Credit: Ekaterina Gapanovich
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