If you have tonsil stones, also called tonsilloliths, you know how annoying they can be. The good news is that there are ways to get rid of them.
Tonsil stones are hard deposits of minerals and other material that can form in the crevices of your tonsils. They're usually made up of calcium, but they can also contain other things like mucus, food particles, and bacteria.
Most people with tonsil stones don't even know they have them because they're small and painless. But if they get big enough, they can cause a sore throat or make it difficult to swallow. In some cases, they can also lead to bad breath.
There are a few different ways to dissolve stubborn tonsil stones:
1. Use a water pick or irrigator to flush out the stones with a stream of water. This method is especially effective if the stones are small and not too deeply lodged in your tonsils.
2. Swish salt water around in your mouth for several minutes several times a day. This will help reduce inflammation and swelling in your tonsils so the stones can more easily be removed.