Tonsils are mainly pieces of tissue that are placed in the back of the mouth on each side. These tonsils contain lymph nodes and help to filter out viruses and bacteria. Tonsils stones or tonsillitis are mainly the formations of calcium deposits. It generally builds up on the surface of the tonsils.
Tonsil stones usually build up around food, mucus, or dead cells that you generally swallow, but tonsil stones can get caught sometimes in the small pockets of the mucus membrane coating of tonsils. This is mainly the same substance that lines the inside of your nose, mouth, and throat. In this article, we are going to discuss ways to prevent tonsil stones.
The Ways Of Preventing Tonsil Stones: Methods And More
The only way to prevent tonsil stones is to remove them surgically. This procedure is called a tonsillectomy. This treatment is usually done for chronic tonsillitis. On the other hand, tonsillectomy surgeries are commonly done in childhood, but they can be done in adults as well.
The surgery is usually completed under local anesthesia. This surgery has some side effects, such as trouble swallowing, sore throat, and so on. But serious side effects are rare.
On the other hand, those who don’t reach the eligibility criteria for treatment of a tonsillectomy can do several other practices to prevent tonsil stones, such as:
1) Gargle With Salt Water
It is very important to gargle with warm salt water so that it will easily dislodge the tonsil stones. In this case, it is possible to gargle with salt water which may help to stop stones from recurrence. However, there is no scientific evidence that gargling with salt water is beneficial or not.
On the other hand, gargling with salt water may also help to reduce bacteria in the mouth. According to the study of 2017, it has also been compared with chlorhexidine mouthwash with the antimicrobial effects of salt water.
In recent research, the 30 participants were divided into two groups. One group is of 12 years, and the other group is of 15 years. In this case, one group used saltwater to rinse, and the other group used mouthwash. Each group is assigned to use products for 30 seconds daily for five days.
Although it has been proven scientifically that chlorhexidine mouthwash was more widely effective in terms of reducing oral bacteria. On the other hand, saltwater rinse is useful and effective as chlorhexidine in lessening plaque and microbes in the mouth.
Apart from that, researchers also noted that saltwater rinse has several other benefits, like having fewer side effects and being accessible easily and affordable. Another one of the most useful things is that gargling with salt water may help to reduce oral wound healing.
2) Use Mouthwash
It is very beneficial to use antibacterial mouthwash so that it may help to reduce oral bacteria, plaque, and so on. In this case, it will make a contribution to forming the tonsil stones.
The American Dental Association advises people to look for mouthwash that contains the following active ingredients such as:
- Cetylpyridinium chloride
- Essential oils
- Peroxide
- Fluoride, and so on.
The ADA notes that mouthwash that contains such ingredients will also help to reduce plaque, gingivitis, tooth decay, and so on.
3) Tonsil Removal
People with severe and chronic tonsil stones may also wish to consider medical treatment. In this case, one of the most confirmed methods for preventing tonsil stones is to undergo surgery named “tonsillectomy.”
4) Use A Water Flosser
One of the most useful products is to use a water pick or water flosser. In this case, it is one of the best methods for reducing plaque in the mouth and also removing food debris. These types of substances may lead to tonsil stones from between the teeth.
A water flosser is also known as a water pick which is a handheld device. In this case, a person can spray water into the mouth to ease the food debris. This method is comfortable and suitable for those who find that using dental floss or having orthodontic appliances and so on are difficult to bear. On the other hand, mouthwash for tonsillitis is also very important.
Causes Of This Tonsil Stones
Below we have discussed some causes of these tonsil stones.
The tonsils are the glands that are placed at the back of the mouth. It helps to trap the bacteria, and it can also help to prevent infections from entering the body. The tonsils have several folds called tonsillar crypts. The food debris builds up on the surface of these glands, and then it forms hardened stones.
A tonsil stone is mainly a living biofilm. In this case, a biofilm forms when bacteria start to secrete a gluey substance to make it into a hard element. It mainly sticks to the moist environment of the glands.
Conclusion
We have discussed some ways to prevent tonsil stones above in this article. In this case, tonsil stones are harmless to build up that will go away on their own. Or it will go with proper oral hygiene and at-home removal. The thing is, they are the sign of more serious problems such as tonsillitis. On the other hand, if your tonsil stones get larger or recur very often, then you need to make an appointment with your healthcare provider. Thank you for reading till the end.
