How to Remove Tonsil Stones You Can’t See with 8 Remedies

By Jessica Kelley | Health


Does it seem like you always have bad breath even if you are very particular about your oral hygiene practices? It could be that you are experiencing halitosis or bad breath because of tonsil stones.

Most people do not think about them in relation to bad breath, as tonsil stones are often hidden from view. These stones are small and made of calcium that grows and develops over time. They are often lodged in the crypts and crevasses of the tonsils.

Its color can vary from white to yellow. In fact, some people often describe them as white spots in the throat.

If you think you have them, you might be wondering how to remove tonsil stones you can’t see. Read on to learn more about them and what can be done.

What Causes Tonsil Stones?

Before we can discuss how to effectively remove tonsil stones, it is worth knowing what can actually cause them and the ways on how you can prevent them from developing.

The tonsils play an important role in protecting the body from any harmful bacteria entering through the mouth. As they trap bacteria, they also tend to trap other things that enter through the mouth including mucus, dead cells, food, and other particles.

For this reason, many experts believe that the stones develop due to the accumulation of food, bacteria, and other particles that are trapped in the tonsils.

The particles are often broken down by the digestive enzymes and washed away. However, the hard deposits of the particles remain and develop into tonsil stones.

Also, the other common causes of tonsil stones include post nasal drip, smoking and drinking, colds or flu, and poor oral hygiene.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Tonsil Stones?


There are several signs and symptoms of tonsil stones. Here are some of them.

  • Halitosis or bad breath
  • Pain when swallowing
  • ​Difficulty swallowing
  • ​Coughing fits
  • ​Whites spots on throat
  • Metallic tasting mouth​
  • ​Ear ache
  • Swollen tonsils

While these signs and symptoms may be uncomfortable and unpleasant, they are rarely considered life threatening. However, they do affect one’s overall well-being.

How to Determine if You Have Tonsil Stones?


You can usually check if you have tonsil stones through visually inspecting your throat.

You can simply grab a flashlight and a mirror and start checking your mouth. You have to make sure that you open your mouth in a way that you will be able to clearly view your tonsils.

You can even use a cotton bud to check the flaps of the tonsils and make sure that there are no stones in those areas of your throat.

If you have a hard time viewing them, you can ask someone else to check them for you. Another option would be to visit your doctor for a thorough oral assessment.

It is important to note, however, that tonsil stones are sometimes hidden from view. Just because you are not able to see them does not actually mean that you do not have them, especially if you experience the other signs and symptoms of tonsil stones.

The stones can also be detected through diagnostic tests like CAT scans and x-rays.

How to Remove Tonsil Stones You Can’t See?

There are various ways on how you can remove tonsil stones. Here are some of them.

1. Using Cotton Swabs


Another simple method for removing tonsil stones is through the use of cotton swabs. With the use of the swab, you can apply gentle pressure on the white spots on your tonsils until they are dislodged. However, if that does not work, you can try applying pressure at different angles.

In doing this tonsil stone removal method, you have to very gentle, as your tonsils can become irritated and may bleed.

2. Use an Oral Irrigator


To remove tonsil stones, the best tool to use is an oral irrigator. With the use of this tool, you can flush out tonsil stones that have lodged in your throat.

In using an oral irrigator, you need to be careful and make sure that the water stream is not too strong. If the water stream is too strong, it can rupture or puncture your tonsils.

3. Gargle with Saline Solution

To make your own saline solution, you have to add a teaspoon of salt in warm water and mix them thoroughly.

Then, you can gargle the saline solution for about two minutes. Repeat the process as often as you can for faster results.

4. Gargle with Diluted Hydrogen Peroxide


To make this solution, you can mix one tablespoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide with one glass of water.

You have to gargle the solution for about two to three minutes. You can repeat the process twice daily for a few days to effectively dissolve your tonsil stones.

5. The Lemon Method


Since most tonsil stones are calcium deposits, you can dissolve them through the lemon method. Lemon is acidic and can easily dissolve the stones.

To do this method, you can simply add a few drops of lime or lemon in warm water. You have to drink the mixture every day for a few days. This should significantly reduce bad breath and metallic taste in your mouth.

6. Medicine Dropper Method


A medicine dropper is a useful device that can help extract stones that are lodged too deep in the crevices of your tonsils.

In doing this method, you have to apply a saline solution to your tonsils. This way, the stones will become more visible. Once seen, you can immediately suck it up with the use of the medicine dropper.

7. Using Dental Irrigation Syringe

Another good way to remove tonsil stones is using a Dental irrigation syringe. They're really useful for getting stones out that you can't' see and for those stuck really deep in your tonsils.

They are bent at the end so you're able to reach around and under your tonsils

 (Special thanks to Lyle MacLeod for this useful information)


8. Vinegar Gargle Solution

Yes, like lemon, vinegar can also help dissolve tonsil stones.

To make your vinegar gargle solution, you have to take add a spoonful of vinegar in warm water. You can use this solution as a gargle.


Via Theindianspot


Via Public Health ABC

When to Consult Your Doctor?

If you have tried all the methods mentioned and they did not work, then you should consider seeing your doctor.

Your doctor can remove tonsil stones through curettage, laser or surgery as indicated. In some cases when they often recur, your doctor may suggest that you undergo tonsillectomy or the removal of the tonsils.

It is important that you discuss your concerns with your doctor, as he or she can help you decide the best treatment for your tonsil stone problem.

The Bottom Line

Yes, tonsil stones are real and they can affect your oral health and hygiene. While they can be removed, prevention is always better than cure.

To prevent tonsil stones from developing, you can brush your teeth every after a meal, make gargling a habit, irrigate your tonsils on a regular basis, or use oxygenating mouthwash or tonsil sprays.

However, if you already have them, try doing the methods mentioned above before visiting your doctor for treatment. Those methods are proven to be effective when it comes to removing tonsils you can’t see.



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