Are Tonsil Stones Causing Your Bad Breath?
Can also lead to sore throat, ear pain and swallowing issues
Can also lead to sore throat, ear pain and swallowing issues
Have you ever experienced persistent bad breath despite maintaining good oral hygiene?
You might be surprised to learn that the culprit could be tonsil stones. These small, calcified formations in your tonsils can lead to unpleasant odors and discomfort.
“Anyone can get tonsil stones, but they are most common in people who have frequent tonsil infections or long-term inflammation of the tonsils,” says Brian Park, DO, a family medicine physician at Scripps Clinic Encinitas.
“Though they are rarely a serious problem, tonsil stones can cause bad breath and other unpleasant or painful symptoms that can require medical treatment,” he says.
How tonsil stones form
Your tonsils sit on both sides at the back of your throat. Covered with mucous membranes, they contain small pockets called crypts that can trap bacteria, dead cells and food particles.
Tonsil stones — also known as tonsilloliths — form when trapped debris hardens into calcified deposits within the tonsil crypts.
Symptoms of tonsil stones
Most tonsil stones are very small, even as small as a grain of rice, and may not be visible to the naked eye. You may have a single tonsil stone or several. Visible tonsil stones may look like a whitish lump on your tonsil.
Some tonsil stones don’t cause any symptoms. If you have symptoms, they may include:
Persistent bad breath: Tonsil stones can have a foul odor, making bad breath one of the main symptoms.
Sore throat or cough: Sometimes, tonsil stones can irritate the throat and cause a sore throat or cough. A tonsil infection may also lead to throat pain.
Difficulty swallowing: Swallowing may be affected depending on the size or location of a tonsil stone.
Inflamed tonsil: A tonsil stone can irritate the tonsil and cause it to swell or become infected.
Ear pain: A tonsil stone located near the nerve that leads into the ear may cause ear pain.
Why tonsil stones cause bad breath
When food particles, dead cells and other debris get trapped in the tiny crevices of your tonsils, they can harden into small stones. These stones create a perfect spot for bacteria to grow. As bacteria break down proteins, they release smelly sulfur compounds. Even small tonsil stones can cause bad breath.
Treating tonsil stones
Tonsil stones that aren’t causing problems are usually left untreated. However, if you have bad breath or other symptoms, you might want to treat them.
Gargling vigorously with half a teaspoon of salt dissolved in a cup of warm water can help loosen and remove tonsil stones as well as eliminate the unpleasant odor that causes bad breath.
“Do not try to scrape off or manually remove tonsil stones,” says Dr. Park. “Your tonsil tissue is very sensitive and easily damaged, and you could cause bleeding or infection. If tonsil stones are bothering you, call your doctor to get them checked out.”
If tonsil stones can’t be easily seen, you may need to have X-rays or imaging to help diagnose them.
Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to help reduce the bacteria that contribute to tonsil stones. However, antibiotics should not be used long-term. They do not prevent tonsil stones from coming back.
Medical interventions
Treatment may involve surgery to remove the stones. Sometimes, a laser may be used to eliminate the crypts where the stones form.
If you often have problems with your tonsils, your doctor may recommend a tonsillectomy to remove them.
“When tonsil stones become a recurring problem, a tonsillectomy may be the best course of action,” says Dr. Park. “It is usually a simple outpatient procedure that takes less than an hour, and without your tonsils, you can’t get tonsil stones.”
Preventing tonsil stones
You can take several steps at home to help prevent tonsil stones.
Practice good oral hygiene. Brush and floss daily and clean your tongue.
Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water to prevent dry mouth, which can contribute to buildup.
Gargle with salt water or an alcohol-free mouthwash to reduce bacteria.
When to see a doctor
Tonsil stones are usually not harmful. However, if you have ongoing symptoms like pain or trouble swallowing, see a doctor. Frequent tonsil infections or big stones also need a doctor’s visit.
Even if tonsil stones are not the culprit, your doctor can help you determine what it is.