Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsRemoval at HomeWhy They Don’t DissolveDental Hygiene for Prevention
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Removal at Home
Why They Don’t Dissolve
Dental Hygiene for Prevention
There are various natural, at-home treatments fortonsilloliths(tonsil stones). Even without management, tonsil stones generally fall out on their own.Tonsil stones form when bacteria collects in thetonsillar crypts(folds in the tonsils). They are more common in adults than children and may range from barely visible to pea-size.If you find them bothersome, you can take steps to get rid of them. Removal methods generally include flushing and rinsing to encourage them to dislodge.This article covers how to get rid of tonsil stones at home, plus daily dental hygiene tips to help prevent them from forming.MalaikaCasal / Getty ImagesTonsil Stone Removal at HomeTonsil stones can range from barely noticeable to highly bothersome. Some people feel like something is stuck in their throat or they may have trouble swallowing. If a tonsil stone is bothering you, there are plenty of remedies to try.Use a WaterpikA Waterpik orwater flosseris one easy way to remove tonsil stones at home. It may not work for tonsil stones that are very large or deeply embedded, but it may work to dislodge smaller stones.To try, lean over the sink, aim the water flosser at the area, and spray. It may take a few attempts to loosen the debris. This is also an excellent method to prevent bacterial buildup if you experience recurrent tonsil stones.Gargle With Salt WaterGargling with salt wateris another go-to method for removing tonsil stones at home. Mix 1 teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of warm water, then gargle and spit.This method creates friction in your throat, encouraging the tonsil stone to dislodge. You may have to repeat the process a few times or for several days before it works.Gargle With Apple Cider VinegarYou can also try gargling withapple cider vinegar(ACV). The acidity of ACV may work to break up the tonsil stone and encourage it to fall off. ACV has well-established antimicrobial properties.Since tonsil stones are bacterial collections, antimicrobial activities may be helpful in their treatment.Use 1 tablespoon of ACV to 1 cup of warm water, gargle, and spit. It’s OK if you accidentally swallow a tonsil stone; it won’t harm you.Use a Cotton SwabAnother option is to remove the tonsil stone manually. You can gently attempt to dislodge the stone using a cotton swab.Don’t be forceful or aggressive; use a soft touch to move the stone out of place. Some people with a strong gag reflex may have difficulty with this option.Massage Your NeckSometimes, massaging the tonsil area externally can encourage tonsil stones to dislodge.The technique forlymphatic massagemay be helpful to follow for a massage of the tonsil area. Place your hand on your neck where you feel the tonsil stone and use gentle but firm strokes downward.Try CoughingAnother technique for dislodging a stubborn stone iscoughing. Coughing vibrates the throat area, where tonsil stones are embedded.This type of friction can sometimes be a successful tonsil stone remedy. Be careful not to cough too often or forcefully, as it can lead to throat irritation.Which Remedies Could Work Quickly?Any of the above remedies could work quickly, depending on the size of the tonsil stone and how deeply embedded it is. If the stone is small and visible, your best bet may be to use a water flosser or a cotton swab because you have more control with these tools. However, gargling or coughing may be the fastest approach if the tonsil stone is deep or not easily seen.Why Aren’t My Tonsil Stones Dissolving?Certain risk factors make some people more likely to develop tonsil stones. These include:Havinginflamed tonsilsor adenoidsBeing middle-agedPoororal hygieneSmokingAbout 3% of the time, tonsil stones are associated withkidney stones, gallstones, and Wharton’s duct stones (stones that form in thesalivary glandthat empties into the mouth). Researchers believe this could indicate a tendency in some people to develop calcifications.Tonsilar crypts enlarge after each infection, and tonsil stones may be linked to recurrent orchronic tonsillitis(tonsil infection).Since tonsil stones are accumulated debris, you may want to avoid or limit certain foods that may be more likely to get stuck in little pockets in your throat, like popcorn and other things with shells (peas, chickpeas,legumes). Chewing slowly and thoroughly and rinsing or gargling after meals may also be a prevention strategy for recurring tonsil stones.Treatment Through a Healthcare ProviderIf your at-home efforts aren’t working, see a healthcare provider for evaluation. A primary care provider, a dentist, or anotolaryngologist, also called an ENT (a doctor specializing in ear, nose, and throat disorders), may be able to help with in-office or surgical options.Sometimes, when a tonsil stone is large, a healthcare provider can numb your throat and use a removal technique in the office. Other times, if recurrent tonsil stones significantly interfere with your life and are associated with large tonsil crypts, a healthcare provider may recommend atonsillectomy(surgery to remove the tonsils).Surgery is not a first-line treatment for tonsil stones, but sometimes surgeons perform tonsillectomy for that reason. One study found that social media use may influence people’s awareness of tonsil stones and their subsequent request for tonsillectomy to resolve it.A Word From VerywellAlthough home remedies for tonsil stones can be effective, I always recommend people who suffer from them get a checkup with an ENT doctor or their primary care provider.—ARNO KRONER, DAOM, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARDDaily Dental Hygiene to Prevent Tonsil StonesTo prevent tonsil stones from forming, the following daily dental hygiene practices may help:Brush your teetha minimum of twice a day and after meals.Brush your tongue every day.Floss to remove food from between teeth.Gargle with salt water after meals to prevent particle buildup.SummaryThere are various ways to release tonsil stones at home. The most common tonsil stone remedies involve using friction to dislodge them. Water flossers, gargling, and cotton swabs may be some choices that could work quickly. In cases where tonsil stones are very large or recurring, you may need to see a healthcare provider to resolve the issue.
There are various natural, at-home treatments fortonsilloliths(tonsil stones). Even without management, tonsil stones generally fall out on their own.
Tonsil stones form when bacteria collects in thetonsillar crypts(folds in the tonsils). They are more common in adults than children and may range from barely visible to pea-size.
If you find them bothersome, you can take steps to get rid of them. Removal methods generally include flushing and rinsing to encourage them to dislodge.
This article covers how to get rid of tonsil stones at home, plus daily dental hygiene tips to help prevent them from forming.
MalaikaCasal / Getty Images
Tonsil Stone Removal at Home
Tonsil stones can range from barely noticeable to highly bothersome. Some people feel like something is stuck in their throat or they may have trouble swallowing. If a tonsil stone is bothering you, there are plenty of remedies to try.
Use a Waterpik
A Waterpik orwater flosseris one easy way to remove tonsil stones at home. It may not work for tonsil stones that are very large or deeply embedded, but it may work to dislodge smaller stones.
To try, lean over the sink, aim the water flosser at the area, and spray. It may take a few attempts to loosen the debris. This is also an excellent method to prevent bacterial buildup if you experience recurrent tonsil stones.
Gargle With Salt Water
Gargling with salt wateris another go-to method for removing tonsil stones at home. Mix 1 teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of warm water, then gargle and spit.This method creates friction in your throat, encouraging the tonsil stone to dislodge. You may have to repeat the process a few times or for several days before it works.
Gargle With Apple Cider Vinegar
You can also try gargling withapple cider vinegar(ACV). The acidity of ACV may work to break up the tonsil stone and encourage it to fall off. ACV has well-established antimicrobial properties.Since tonsil stones are bacterial collections, antimicrobial activities may be helpful in their treatment.
Use 1 tablespoon of ACV to 1 cup of warm water, gargle, and spit. It’s OK if you accidentally swallow a tonsil stone; it won’t harm you.
Use a Cotton Swab
Another option is to remove the tonsil stone manually. You can gently attempt to dislodge the stone using a cotton swab.Don’t be forceful or aggressive; use a soft touch to move the stone out of place. Some people with a strong gag reflex may have difficulty with this option.
Massage Your Neck
Sometimes, massaging the tonsil area externally can encourage tonsil stones to dislodge.The technique forlymphatic massagemay be helpful to follow for a massage of the tonsil area. Place your hand on your neck where you feel the tonsil stone and use gentle but firm strokes downward.
Try Coughing
Another technique for dislodging a stubborn stone iscoughing. Coughing vibrates the throat area, where tonsil stones are embedded.This type of friction can sometimes be a successful tonsil stone remedy. Be careful not to cough too often or forcefully, as it can lead to throat irritation.
Which Remedies Could Work Quickly?Any of the above remedies could work quickly, depending on the size of the tonsil stone and how deeply embedded it is. If the stone is small and visible, your best bet may be to use a water flosser or a cotton swab because you have more control with these tools. However, gargling or coughing may be the fastest approach if the tonsil stone is deep or not easily seen.
Which Remedies Could Work Quickly?
Any of the above remedies could work quickly, depending on the size of the tonsil stone and how deeply embedded it is. If the stone is small and visible, your best bet may be to use a water flosser or a cotton swab because you have more control with these tools. However, gargling or coughing may be the fastest approach if the tonsil stone is deep or not easily seen.
Why Aren’t My Tonsil Stones Dissolving?
Certain risk factors make some people more likely to develop tonsil stones. These include:
About 3% of the time, tonsil stones are associated withkidney stones, gallstones, and Wharton’s duct stones (stones that form in thesalivary glandthat empties into the mouth). Researchers believe this could indicate a tendency in some people to develop calcifications.
Tonsilar crypts enlarge after each infection, and tonsil stones may be linked to recurrent orchronic tonsillitis(tonsil infection).
Since tonsil stones are accumulated debris, you may want to avoid or limit certain foods that may be more likely to get stuck in little pockets in your throat, like popcorn and other things with shells (peas, chickpeas,legumes). Chewing slowly and thoroughly and rinsing or gargling after meals may also be a prevention strategy for recurring tonsil stones.
Treatment Through a Healthcare Provider
If your at-home efforts aren’t working, see a healthcare provider for evaluation. A primary care provider, a dentist, or anotolaryngologist, also called an ENT (a doctor specializing in ear, nose, and throat disorders), may be able to help with in-office or surgical options.
Sometimes, when a tonsil stone is large, a healthcare provider can numb your throat and use a removal technique in the office. Other times, if recurrent tonsil stones significantly interfere with your life and are associated with large tonsil crypts, a healthcare provider may recommend atonsillectomy(surgery to remove the tonsils).
Surgery is not a first-line treatment for tonsil stones, but sometimes surgeons perform tonsillectomy for that reason. One study found that social media use may influence people’s awareness of tonsil stones and their subsequent request for tonsillectomy to resolve it.
A Word From VerywellAlthough home remedies for tonsil stones can be effective, I always recommend people who suffer from them get a checkup with an ENT doctor or their primary care provider.—ARNO KRONER, DAOM, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
Although home remedies for tonsil stones can be effective, I always recommend people who suffer from them get a checkup with an ENT doctor or their primary care provider.—ARNO KRONER, DAOM, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Although home remedies for tonsil stones can be effective, I always recommend people who suffer from them get a checkup with an ENT doctor or their primary care provider.
—ARNO KRONER, DAOM, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Daily Dental Hygiene to Prevent Tonsil Stones
To prevent tonsil stones from forming, the following daily dental hygiene practices may help:
Summary
There are various ways to release tonsil stones at home. The most common tonsil stone remedies involve using friction to dislodge them. Water flossers, gargling, and cotton swabs may be some choices that could work quickly. In cases where tonsil stones are very large or recurring, you may need to see a healthcare provider to resolve the issue.
10 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Yellamma Bai K, Vinod Kumar B.Tonsillolith: A polymicrobial biofilm.Med J Armed Forces India. 2015;71(Suppl 1):S95-S98. doi:10.1016/j.mjafi.2011.12.009American Academy of Family Physicians.Tonsil stones. January 2023.American Dental Association.Floss/interdental cleaners. September 21, 2021.Kaiser Permanente.Tonsil stones: Care instructions. September 27, 2023.Gopal J, Anthonydhason V, Muthu M, et al.Authenticating apple cider vinegar’s home remedy claims: antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral properties and cytotoxicity aspect.Nat Prod Res. 2019;33(6):906-910. doi:10.1080/14786419.2017.1413567Breathe Clear Institute.What are tonsil stones?Keck Medicine of USC.What are tonsil stones?June 20, 2023.Arvisais-Anhalt S, Quinn A, Bishop JA, et al.Palatine tonsilloliths and actinomyces: A multi-institutional study of adult patients undergoing tonsillectomy.Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2020;163(4):743-749. doi:10.1177/0194599820921392Singh P, Patil PM, Sawhney H, Patil SP, Mishra M.Giant tonsillolith: A rare oropharyngeal entity.Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Cases. 2019;5(4):100133. doi:10.1016/j.omsc.2019.100133Bharat N, Sandelski M, Cerasiello S, Hurtuk A.TikTok influence on rates of tonsillectomies for tonsil stones.Cureus. 2023;15(4):e37957. doi:10.7759/cureus.37957
10 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Yellamma Bai K, Vinod Kumar B.Tonsillolith: A polymicrobial biofilm.Med J Armed Forces India. 2015;71(Suppl 1):S95-S98. doi:10.1016/j.mjafi.2011.12.009American Academy of Family Physicians.Tonsil stones. January 2023.American Dental Association.Floss/interdental cleaners. September 21, 2021.Kaiser Permanente.Tonsil stones: Care instructions. September 27, 2023.Gopal J, Anthonydhason V, Muthu M, et al.Authenticating apple cider vinegar’s home remedy claims: antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral properties and cytotoxicity aspect.Nat Prod Res. 2019;33(6):906-910. doi:10.1080/14786419.2017.1413567Breathe Clear Institute.What are tonsil stones?Keck Medicine of USC.What are tonsil stones?June 20, 2023.Arvisais-Anhalt S, Quinn A, Bishop JA, et al.Palatine tonsilloliths and actinomyces: A multi-institutional study of adult patients undergoing tonsillectomy.Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2020;163(4):743-749. doi:10.1177/0194599820921392Singh P, Patil PM, Sawhney H, Patil SP, Mishra M.Giant tonsillolith: A rare oropharyngeal entity.Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Cases. 2019;5(4):100133. doi:10.1016/j.omsc.2019.100133Bharat N, Sandelski M, Cerasiello S, Hurtuk A.TikTok influence on rates of tonsillectomies for tonsil stones.Cureus. 2023;15(4):e37957. doi:10.7759/cureus.37957
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Yellamma Bai K, Vinod Kumar B.Tonsillolith: A polymicrobial biofilm.Med J Armed Forces India. 2015;71(Suppl 1):S95-S98. doi:10.1016/j.mjafi.2011.12.009American Academy of Family Physicians.Tonsil stones. January 2023.American Dental Association.Floss/interdental cleaners. September 21, 2021.Kaiser Permanente.Tonsil stones: Care instructions. September 27, 2023.Gopal J, Anthonydhason V, Muthu M, et al.Authenticating apple cider vinegar’s home remedy claims: antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral properties and cytotoxicity aspect.Nat Prod Res. 2019;33(6):906-910. doi:10.1080/14786419.2017.1413567Breathe Clear Institute.What are tonsil stones?Keck Medicine of USC.What are tonsil stones?June 20, 2023.Arvisais-Anhalt S, Quinn A, Bishop JA, et al.Palatine tonsilloliths and actinomyces: A multi-institutional study of adult patients undergoing tonsillectomy.Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2020;163(4):743-749. doi:10.1177/0194599820921392Singh P, Patil PM, Sawhney H, Patil SP, Mishra M.Giant tonsillolith: A rare oropharyngeal entity.Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Cases. 2019;5(4):100133. doi:10.1016/j.omsc.2019.100133Bharat N, Sandelski M, Cerasiello S, Hurtuk A.TikTok influence on rates of tonsillectomies for tonsil stones.Cureus. 2023;15(4):e37957. doi:10.7759/cureus.37957
Yellamma Bai K, Vinod Kumar B.Tonsillolith: A polymicrobial biofilm.Med J Armed Forces India. 2015;71(Suppl 1):S95-S98. doi:10.1016/j.mjafi.2011.12.009
American Academy of Family Physicians.Tonsil stones. January 2023.
American Dental Association.Floss/interdental cleaners. September 21, 2021.
Kaiser Permanente.Tonsil stones: Care instructions. September 27, 2023.
Gopal J, Anthonydhason V, Muthu M, et al.Authenticating apple cider vinegar’s home remedy claims: antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral properties and cytotoxicity aspect.Nat Prod Res. 2019;33(6):906-910. doi:10.1080/14786419.2017.1413567
Breathe Clear Institute.What are tonsil stones?
Keck Medicine of USC.What are tonsil stones?June 20, 2023.
Arvisais-Anhalt S, Quinn A, Bishop JA, et al.Palatine tonsilloliths and actinomyces: A multi-institutional study of adult patients undergoing tonsillectomy.Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2020;163(4):743-749. doi:10.1177/0194599820921392
Singh P, Patil PM, Sawhney H, Patil SP, Mishra M.Giant tonsillolith: A rare oropharyngeal entity.Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Cases. 2019;5(4):100133. doi:10.1016/j.omsc.2019.100133
Bharat N, Sandelski M, Cerasiello S, Hurtuk A.TikTok influence on rates of tonsillectomies for tonsil stones.Cureus. 2023;15(4):e37957. doi:10.7759/cureus.37957
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