What Are Tonsil Stones?

The job of the tonsils is to trap bacteria that come through the mouth in order to prevent infections elsewhere in the body. Because of this constant contact with bacteria, it can build up into hardened white spots that are referred to as tonsilloliths, or tonsil stones for short. 

Tonsil Stones Symptoms

• Bad breath
• Pain when swallowing
• Sore throat
• Difficulty swallowing
• Metallic taste
• Ear aches

Progression of tonsil stones

Causes Of Tonsil Stones

Bacteria and food particles that are trapped in the cracks and crevasses of the tonsils build up to the point of calcifying (becoming hardened). Other cause are tonsillitis and other oral infections.

What Are The Dangers Of Tonsil Stones?

In many cases, tonsil stones are nothing more than a nuisance. However, because they continue to attract more and more bacteria they can increase the chance of developing gingivitis and other oral conditions by harboring excessive amounts of bacteria.

How Are Tonsil Stones Treated?

The best way to treat tonsil stones is to control the bacteria that are building up in your mouth through the use of improved oral hygiene, and by limiting the sugars and processed foods in your diet. Improving oral hygiene begins with these steps:

• Brush twice a day in the morning and evening using 2-5 drops of a botanical toothpaste and brush normally.
• Floss every evening before brushing – more frequently as needed. Get any food particles out from between teeth.
• Use a botanical mouthwash twice a day: morning and evening. Just put 2-5 drops into an ounce of water, swish, and gargle. This is important to kill bacteria in the entire mouth including the back of the tongue.
• Mid-morning, mid-afternoon, and as needed: pur 2-5 drops of natural botanicals on the tip of the tongue to coat the gum line and teeth to kill bacteria and keep breath fresh.

What are the costs?

If not properly treated in a timely fashion, tonsil stones can attract more bacteria and lead to gum disease which could cost you your teeth at some point. There are a few options for procedures you’re your dentist may recommend. Most of which are not only painful, but also expensive. Here are a few examples:

• Curretage/Scraping – $110
• Laser resurfacing surgery – $500
• Tonsillectomy – $5,000

Tonsil Stone Prevention

The most important thing to do in order to treat and prevent tonsil stones is to implement a solid oral hygiene program like the 4 steps mentioned before. In addition to that, adding an all natural oral care product in place of the chemical laden ones you’re used to will allow your mouth the environment it needs to heal.