Tonsil stones are a common problem, and you would be surprised to learn how many people face it regularly. If you are one of them, there is no reason to worry because there are several things you can try. It doesn’t necessarily mean your oral hygiene is poor since numerous things can cause tonsil stones.
Most people want to know whether mouthwash can help with this condition. In the following article, we will answer this question and provide you with additional information. Also, we will explain why tonsil stones occur and discuss the other remedies you can try.
What are tonsil stones?
In a nutshell, these occur when small crypts and pits around your tonsil get clogged with bad bacteria and dead cells from your mouth and the food you eat. The primary purpose of tonsils in your body is to prevent bacteria from entering your system. Then, when this debris accumulates, yellow or white stones are formed.
These are usually very small, so much so it can be difficult to notice them sometimes. They are not dangerous and don’t cause any significant issues, but the symptoms can be pretty uncomfortable. Yes, we are talking about bad breath, and here is how you can solve this problem.
Are they dangerous?
No, in most cases, tonsil stones cannot endanger your health. They are not even a sign of a more serious issue, but some people are just prone to them. If you suffer from this condition, there is nothing to be worried about. You should mention it during your regular doctor’s visit, and they will tell you about different remedies you can use.
However, in some instances, tonsil stones can be quite large. Once again, they are harmless but can cause many uncomfortable symptoms, such as coughing, foul taste, and sometimes, sore throat, and difficulty swallowing. If this is a reoccurring issue for you, the doctor may advise you to remove them surgically.
Is mouthwash effective?
When faced with the dilemma of remedies they should try, most people immediately think of mouthwash. After all, it is supposed to remove the leftover debris and ensure your breath is perfect and fresh at all times. This is all true, which is why you should include antibacterial mouthwash in your oral hygiene routine if you are not using it already.
Now, when looking for mouthwash for tonsil stones, professionals’ advice is to purchase the one that contains peroxide, fluoride, and cetylpyridinium chloride. These ingredients will not only eliminate the problem of bad breath, but this product will also remove bacteria you missed when brushing your teeth, and therefore, prevent other issues such as plaque and gingivitis.
How to prevent this issue?
The best way to prevent these from forming is to boost your oral hygiene routine. Basically, you should wash your teeth after every meal and make sure to do it thoroughly. Then, don’t forget about using the floss, and remember to clean your tongue as well. This way, you will immediately remove all the debris and bacteria from your mouth, and hence, protect your tonsil. As already mentioned, poor oral hygiene isn’t the main reason this issue occurs, but some people’s tonsils are of irregular shape, which is why the stones form easily.
What else can you use?
Now that we have provided you with some essential information regarding the tonsil stones and answered whether the mouthwash could help, here are some other things and methods to try.
Salt water
First of all, gargling salt water can dislodge and remove these stones from your tonsils. In addition, it can also significantly decrease the number of bacteria in your mouth. Even though it may not be as effective as a mouthwash, it can prove to be quite useful. All you need is a teaspoon of salt and a glass of water. Take a sip, gargle for a few seconds, and spit it out. Make sure not to swallow the water because it can make you sick.
Water flosser
This device can take your routine to the next level, and people love it since it is really easy to use. Surely, you are familiar with how it works. It sprays the water in your mouth to remove the debris and food from your teeth and gums. A water flosser is usually recommended for people who have braces or simply do not feel comfortable using dental floss.
Coughing
Yes, we know this may sound odd, but the truth is that many people only notice these after a harsh coughing session when they feel there is something at the back of their throat. In some cases, if the stones have formed on the surface of the tonsil, coughing can dislodge them, and you can then spit them out. You can try this method, but make sure not to go overboard since coughing can irritate the throat even more.
Apples and carrots
Okay, it has not been scientifically proven that apples and carrots help, but some people swear by them. When it comes to the former, the acid in apples is supposedly very effective when it comes to killing bad bacteria in your mouth, and therefore, they can prevent stones from occurring. On the other hand, carrots promote saliva production. As you know, saliva cleans your mouth naturally, and it can also prove to be your best friend when trying to dislodge these stones.
Wrapping up
To sum everything up, tonsil stones are a frequent issue that can affect everyone. As already mentioned several times, they are not in any way dangerous, but instead, can be quite annoying, and therefore, decrease the quality of your everyday life. There are many methods you can try to remove them even though we have mentioned only several.
When it comes to prevention, the best thing you can do is boost your oral hygiene by brushing your teeth at least twice a day, using dental floss and mouthwash as well. If you believe that these are the cause of some more severe symptoms, such as pain and difficulty swallowing, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor.
