If you've been feeling pain every time you swallow and it just doesn't seem to be improving on its own, then your problem may not be a stubborn sore throat or a case of strep coming on, but tonsil stones instead. If so, you're not alone. This is a very common problem and since it isn't a dangerous condition, most doctors haven't spent much time thinking about how to remove tonsil stones.
Also known as tonsilloliths, tonsil stones are mineral aggregations which form in the crevices of the tonsils. They're not something that everyone experiences, but if you have a predisposition to this condition, you know how irritating they can be and you'd probably like to know more about them and especially about how to get rid of them.
True to their name, tonsil stones are made from minerals, most often calcium and magnesium, although ammonia and carbonates are found in many of these stones as well. They tend to be very small, with even the largest of them weighing only around 300 milligrams; another reason that most doctors aren't terribly worried by this common condition.
How To Remove Tonsil Stones
If you have tonsil stones, the most reliable method of getting rid of them is by going to an ENT for an examination and removal, if necessary. If your stones are causing pain or discomfort, then it's definitely a good move to have your ENT take care of them, since it usually just takes a few minutes.
If you have tonsil stones, there is one piece of bad news for you: this is usually a recurring problem, so if you have them once, it will probably happen again. When it does, you'll have to make another trip to your doctor's office to have them removed.
Research is still ongoing into the condition, but one of the major contributing factors seems to be bacterial and fungal growth in the mouth and throat. It's natural for a wide array of microorganisms to be living in your throat at any given time, but most of the time, none of these organisms can proliferate to the point that they cause problems. However, when the balance is upset, all kinds of things can happen, with tonsil stones being one of the possibilities.
If you want to know how to remove tonsil stones without a visit to the doctor's office, there is one method you can try at home. Many tonsilloliths can be dislodged using a cotton swab; if you can manage to suppress your gag reflex, this can work. However, if this method fails, it's definitely recommended to see a medical professional to have it removed rather than trying with other implements which could pose a choking hazard.
It's something that can take a little getting used to, but if you can manage to keep your gag reflex under control for a minute, then you should be able to remove tonsil stones on your own. As long as you can easily see the stones in a mirror and they're located within reach of a cotton swab, you should be able to remove it yourself and avoid the time and expense of a trip to the doctor.
Also known as tonsilloliths, tonsil stones are mineral aggregations which form in the crevices of the tonsils. They're not something that everyone experiences, but if you have a predisposition to this condition, you know how irritating they can be and you'd probably like to know more about them and especially about how to get rid of them.
True to their name, tonsil stones are made from minerals, most often calcium and magnesium, although ammonia and carbonates are found in many of these stones as well. They tend to be very small, with even the largest of them weighing only around 300 milligrams; another reason that most doctors aren't terribly worried by this common condition.
How To Remove Tonsil Stones
If you have tonsil stones, the most reliable method of getting rid of them is by going to an ENT for an examination and removal, if necessary. If your stones are causing pain or discomfort, then it's definitely a good move to have your ENT take care of them, since it usually just takes a few minutes.
If you have tonsil stones, there is one piece of bad news for you: this is usually a recurring problem, so if you have them once, it will probably happen again. When it does, you'll have to make another trip to your doctor's office to have them removed.
Research is still ongoing into the condition, but one of the major contributing factors seems to be bacterial and fungal growth in the mouth and throat. It's natural for a wide array of microorganisms to be living in your throat at any given time, but most of the time, none of these organisms can proliferate to the point that they cause problems. However, when the balance is upset, all kinds of things can happen, with tonsil stones being one of the possibilities.
If you want to know how to remove tonsil stones without a visit to the doctor's office, there is one method you can try at home. Many tonsilloliths can be dislodged using a cotton swab; if you can manage to suppress your gag reflex, this can work. However, if this method fails, it's definitely recommended to see a medical professional to have it removed rather than trying with other implements which could pose a choking hazard.
It's something that can take a little getting used to, but if you can manage to keep your gag reflex under control for a minute, then you should be able to remove tonsil stones on your own. As long as you can easily see the stones in a mirror and they're located within reach of a cotton swab, you should be able to remove it yourself and avoid the time and expense of a trip to the doctor.
About the Author:
Michael S Jarvis is a professional writer specializing in health and alternative medicine. You can learn more about How to Remove Tonsil Stones on this great new website aboutTonsil Stones Treatment.