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Usually self-diagnosable, tonsil stones or tonsilloliths usually feel like you’ve got something stuck in the back of your throat. They’re nothing to worry about, and are simply lumps of calcified material in the folds of fleshy pads, called tonsils, at the back of your throat.
Tonsil stones also cause bad breath and might present difficulty swallowing, cause sore throat or ear pain. While the cause for the formation of tonsil stones is unknown, oral bacteria are thought to be responsible, along with small food particles that might get stuck in the tonsils. If you’ve got tonsil stones, try these home remedies to dislodge them.
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If you can see the tonsil stones peeking out from the sides or back of your throat, use your finger or a cotton swab to gently press on the tonsil, below or on the side of the stone to dislodge it. Remember to not be aggressive or you could hurt yourself or exacerbate infection. Avoid doing this if the stones are large or if you feel pain. Smaller stones can be dislodged by coughing.
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Gargling with warm water or water mixed with vinegar or salt can help dislodge tonsil stones. While vinegar can help break down tonsil stones due to its acidic nature, salt is effective in treating oral wounds.
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Some essential oils like myrrh, rosemary, lemongrass, etc. have anti-inflammatory or antibacterial properties that can be effective in treating tonsil stones. Use a cotton swab dipped in a mixture of essential and carrier oil to brush the stones or tonsil folds. You can also make a DIY mouthwash using essential oils.
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Include these foods in your diet!
Garlic: The antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties of garlic can help combat bacterial growth and tonsil infection
Onion: Prevent or eliminate tonsil stones with the potent antibacterial properties of onions
Carrot: Eating carrots increases saliva production, which in turn increases natural antibacterial processes in your mouth, thus helping prevent the formation of tonsil stones
Apple: Naturally acidic in nature, apples can help break down tonsil stones
Yoghurt: Eat probiotic yoghurt to breakdown bacterial activity and prevent tonsil stone formation
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