Still Have Your Tonsils? You Could Develop Tonsil Stones – Learn How to Get Rid of Them For Good

First on the list is the water pick method. The way I’ve tried this method is by using the lower pressure setting on the water pick to aim just above or next to the stone to flush it out.

For my stubborn stones, this method rarely works and sets off my gag reflex instead, which isn’t the best feeling.

Yes, tools to remove tonsil stones exist. This is a method that I’ve had my otolaryngologist (also known as an ear, nose, and throat doctor) use to remove an annoying stone while I was being treated for a different issue. Killed two birds and one stone!

Yes, warm salt water rinses can be used to prevent stones as well as get rid of current ones. Personally, this method requires a lot of patience. For me, it takes several days of rinsing before I get the stone out.

Reminder: Once you get the stone out, rinse with warm salt water again to disinfect the area where the stone once was.

This is a method a stumbled upon when I was brushing my teeth one day. I had a pesky stone that was causing bad breath, so I thought to give myself a mouthwash gargle. In my mind, I thought a gargle would thoroughly eliminate my bad breath.

As I gargled I felt the stone dislodge and spat it out with glee. Since then I’ve gotten a new more stubborn stone that hasn’t gone away with one gargle so I’ve found that this method doesn’t always work.

Last on the list is the method I’m trying to avoid with all my might – a tonsillectomy. While many people in the United States get their tonsils removed as children, they do serve a purpose. Tonsils are a part of the immune system.

From childhood through adulthood, I’ve always been the friend that rarely gets sick. As a friend of mine put it “if Angelica gets sick, we’re all doomed.” Personally, I feel like a part of that has to do with the fact that I still have my tonsils.

The tonsils both trap pathogens and can produce antibodies to kill pathogens. So while I’m thoroughly annoyed with having tonsil stones return on such a frequent basis, I do have plans to consult my otolaryngologist before deciding on a tonsillectomy.

Another reason that frequent tonsil stones could lead to considering a tonsillectomy is due the possibility that recurring stones along with trouble breathing could signs of tonsil cancer.

So if you feel like your tonsils have been annoying you for far too long, make an appointment to see your otolaryngologist.