It’s difficult to control your tonsil stones if you aren’t motivated to use the tools for doing the job, and in my opinion the Waterpik just isn’t the right one. Final Thoughts Regular gargling with salt water or a mouthwash can help to dislodge any stones which can then be spat out. If using a salt water gargle, dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in about 8 ounces of warm water. (Do not be tempted to try to remove the stones manually as this can cause trauma to the delicate tonsil tissue and cause infection and bleeding). ✔️ Gentle irrigation As much as I love my Waterpik, using it for flushing out tonsil stones can be a very bad idea if you’re not careful – because even on the lowest setting it can be incredibly painful to use inside the crypts of your tonsils. If you don't create room for the probe by opening your mouth wide enough, you won't be able to see where the tip is going. So, make sure you're really stretching as far as your mouth can go without hurting yourself. Get your tongue out of the way too.

These bacteria cannot survive in an oxygen rich environment, which is why an oxygenating mouthwash is so effective. Our Tonsil Stone Removal Kit includes a water irrigator, a lighted tonsil stone removal tool, and FIVE head attachments to help remove even the most stubborn tonsil stones. At 9cm and 6.5cm, our attachments are the longest available on the market, plus they’re covered in a safe, removable silicone sleeve to make them comfortable to use and easy to clean. Our Kit also includes a case (built to hold everything - including the irrigator) for hygienic storage and travel. Dr Roger Henderson looks at tonsil stone symptoms, causes and treatment options: What is a tonsil stone? Using an over-the-counter mouthwash, particularly one that is alcohol-free, can help to lessen bad breath immediately, and it can also potentially dislodge tonsil stones. You can add some water to a little mouthwash to reduce the sting of alcohol or menthol in the product if you are concerned about the sensation in your mouth. Do not swallow the mouthwash, but spit it out after vigorously gargling. Apple Cider Vinegar I haven’t found a better approach to dealing with these little balls of joy outside of getting your tonsils removed. Those of us who didn’t get tonsillectomies when we were younger will need to learn how to live with them.If you cannot remove tonsil stones by gargling with a mouth rinse, either homemade or store bought, visit your doctor to get appropriate treatment. Gargling: Vigorous gargling using salt water has a few advantages. It helps your throat feel better, plus it can dislodge the tonsil stones. It may even get rid of the bad odor. This is particularly helpful when you gargle after eating to prevent food and debris from getting caught in the tonsil crypts. There are many different types of mouthwash out there, and some of them may even make your problem worse if they are alcohol based (it dries out your mouth). Even still, there’s nothing more effective than destroying anaerobic bacteria then the use of oxygen – and for that, I like to use Therabreath . Researchers found that 75% of the people who had abnormally high concentrations of these compounds and thus were suffering from bad breath, had tonsil stones*.

Your dentist may notice the formation of tonsil stones. In some instances, this can indicate higher levels of bacteria in your mouth. This could suggest to your dentist that you need more dental cleanings, may have an underlying infection like gingivitis, or need an additional step in your oral hygiene routine. Teeth misalignment: An untreated teeth misalignment (malocclusion) can cause tooth decay, problems cleaning the teeth, and friction between teeth and gums that could result in inflammation and bacteria buildup. By removing the tonsil stones, and cleaning one’s tongue, the apparition of tonsillitis or sore throat is dramatically decreased. Indeed, leaving this white material in one’s mouth provided a perfect environment for infectious bacteria’s to feed on. Get rid of it and these bacteria’s won’t be able to grow in large numbers anymore. Diluting some apple cider vinegar with warm or room temperature water can create a good mouth rinse that may help to dislodge tonsil stones. The acidity of the vinegar may also help to break down tonsil stones.

Large stones that cause persisting problems can be removed by surgery. ENT (ear, nose and throat) surgeons are the specialists who can do this and your GP can refer you to them if appropriate. The stones may be removed alone, or the whole of the tonsils may be taken out (tonsillectomy). This procedure may be done using a scalpel, laser or a coblation device where radio waves are used. In general, surgery is reserved for severe, chronic cases where all other treatments have been tried unsuccessfully but can usually be done under a local anaesthetic. ✔️ Antibiotics If tonsil stone symptoms are bothering you, talk to your provider. They may refer you to an ENT — an ear, nose and throat specialist. The ENT can discuss your surgical options with you.