Tonsil stones are actually more common than people assume (even though they may not notice that they actually have them) and are typically harmless. Anyone who has tonsils has the chance of getting tonsil stones.
This has led a lot of people to wonder do tonsil stones go away on their own and if they’ll require any medical intervention.
What Are Tonsil Stones?
Before you can look at whether or not tonsil stones will go away on their own, you need to know what tonsil stones are. Tonsil stones are collections of food, dead cells, mucus, and other debris that has been calcified after being consumed by bacteria (yeah I know. How disgusting).
All of this is collected in the grooves and crypts of the tonsils and will prompt the body to release white blood cells.
These calcified remains can often be swallowed without you even knowing because of their size. However, if they’re left to grow to a size which puts pressure on the gums and tonsils, they can cause a number of uncomforting symptoms.
It is because of these symptoms why those affected want rid of their tonsil stones.
The Signs of Tonsil Stones
When your tonsil stones are small, the symptoms will generally be completely non-existent. However as I said, when they are larger, the symptoms will start to appear. There are various symptoms that you should look for, however noticing white and yellow flecks at the back of the throat is the most obvious.
Another common symptom of tonsil stones is bad breath. This is due to the fact that tonsil stones are a haven for bacteria including the ones that produce sulfur. Studies have found that people with tonsil stones will have a higher concentration of volatile sulfur compounds in their mouth which causes bad breath.
A few other symptoms include:
- Sore throat
- Trouble swallowing
- Pain when swallowing
- Inflamed tonsil + gums
- Ear pain
Will Tonsil Stones Go Away On Their Own
If you have tonsil stones, it is important that you are aware of the fact that they do not go away on their own. If you leave the tonsil stones untreated, they will only increase in size and this can cause a lot of discomfort. You will also suffer from some of the more unpleasant symptoms of tonsil stone such as those mentioned above.
Instead of waiting for the tonsil stones to go away, you can seek conventional treatments or use a number of natural remedies. Some doctors will prescribe antibiotics for tonsil stones, but this does not treat the root of the tonsil stones. It is most likely going to be your oral hygiene that is the root problem so taking measures to improve will be most important.
If you have very large tonsil stone, surgical removal might be suggested. However this is very rare and is only usually recommend to those with recurring symptoms.
There are many other natural remedies that you can look at instead. One of the best natural remedies will be to gargle with a mixture of apple cider vinegar and warm water. The vinegar will help to break down the tonsil stones and the act of gargling will help to dislodge them.
Not only that but it will also help reduce your inflammation as well.
Final Words
Tonsil stones are something that anyone with tonsils can suffer from. If you do have tonsil stone , they will not go away on their own and you will have to take steps to remove them.
But these steps do not have to be intensive. In most cases simple inclusions/changes to your diet and daily oral hygiene routine can have the biggest impact.
