Tonsil stones, or also called tonsilloliths, are hard and painful parts of bacteria and debris that block the nooks on your tonsils. Tonsils are gland-like structures present in the back of your throat and there is one on each side. Tonsils are made up of tissue with cells that help in preventing and combating infections, called lymphocytes. A lot of experts say that your tonsils play a major role in your immune system and function as a net that traps bacteria and viruses that come in through your throat. However, these tonsils can be a boon and not a bane. As per a reaserch, people who get their tonsils removed are not at a higher risk of getting bacterial or viral infections than people with who keep their tonsils.
Your tonsils are basically filled with nooks and crannies where bacteria and other things such as dead cells and mucus, can get trapped. Due to this, the debris can also combine with each other and get harden and calcified. This contributes towards the formation of tonsil stones. This happens usually with people who have prolonging inflammation in their tonsils or experience recurring issues of tonsillitis. A lot of people even have small tonsilloliths, but it is very rare to have a large tonsil stone. Many tonsil stones, especially with no symptoms, don’t even require any special medical treatment. It depends on their size and if they are causing any discomfort or not. You can go for surgical removal, antibiotics or helpful natural ways. So, read this article further to learn about some useful home remedies for tonsil stones.
Home remedies for tonsil stones
Small tonsil stones might not have any noticeable or visible signs. And, even when they are large, some tonsil stones can be diagnosed only after tests like X-rays or CT scans. However, the main symptoms of tonsil stones include bad breath, pain, cough and swallowing problems. Your doctor can also diagnose tonsil stones with a physical exam. Large tonsil stones can cause swollen tonsils, which can lead to difficulty in swallowing. Tonsil stones can also sometimes result in infections, so you need to get them treated. Here are 7 useful home remedies for tonsil stones:
1. Garlic
According to some studies, garlic has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties that make it a home remedy for tonsil stones. It can fight bacterial growth and infection easily. This kitchen ingredient can help in quick and effective improvement from conditions like cold, cough and flu. It can even help in preventing certain illnesses. One should try consuming raw garlic as it is more useful, but you can also incorporate it in your diet. You can make a paste out of crushed garlic cloves and olive oil and apply it on the tonsil stones gently. This will help in reducing the pain and inflammation of tonsils.
2. Essential oils
Even essentials oil such as myrrh, thieves oil, and lemongrass can be used to treat tonsil stones. These oils contain anti inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help in fighting infections. Essential oils are being used for mental and physical health since many years. Essential oils are a useful and conventional treatment for tonsils and can help in treating the symptoms effectively. Essential oils are made from the liquid essence of plants. This essence is made from the smell and taste elements of a plant. However, you should only dilute one or two drops of the essential oil in a carrier oil like coconut oil toothbrush and brush them gently on the tonsil stones.
Also read: If you've these health issues, your tonsils might be the reason
3. Saltwater
Lukewarm saltwater gargles is an effective home remedy that comes first in your mind if you are suffering from cough, soar throat, throat pain and cold. The warm water has the power to provide relaxation in pain and open up any kind of blockage. Just put half teaspoon of salt in half cup of warm water. Mix and gargle it out after a few seconds. You can even take in the the last sip of that water inside. Do this twice a day daily and you will see the improvement in a week. A warm saltwater gargle can help in loosening tonsil stones. Saltwater gargles can give relief with a sore and scratchy throat.
4. Yogurt
Eating yogurt that contains probiotics can also be good to combat the bacteria that causes tonsil stones. Yogurt is one of the best probiotic foods and probiotics are good bacteria that help in fighting all kinds of infections. You can increase the intake of this dairy product by including it in your diet through many ways such as fruit yogurt and raita. It is beneficial for healing all throat problems. However, make sure that you do not consume cold curd and let it go down to the room temperature.
5. Onions
Another kitchen ingredient helpful for treating tonsil stones is onion. Onions also have strong antibacterial properties that make it useful for this purpose. Including them in your diet can help in preventing or removing tonsil stones. Onions can effectively reduce the progression of your tonsil stones and can stop them from growing any more large. You can also grind the onions to gargle with onion juice. This is also an amazing way to treat tonsillitis. Onions are known for their antibacterial properties and can easily dissolve tonsil stones. You can talk to your doctor before trying this home remedy by yourself.
6. Carrots
Chewing carrots is also good for more saliva production that also increases the natural antibacterial processes. This can also help in reducing or removing your tonsil stones. This vegetable is found in every household and is good for treating tonsil stones. Carrots are even extremely healthy and provide a number of benefits to your body. This is one of the best natural remedies for tonsillitis. It works mostly on small tonsil stones instead of larger ones.
Also read: Tonsillitis:Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention
7. Apple cider vinegar
You can also use apple cider vinegar or normal vinegar for relief from the symptoms of tonsil stones. Gargling with diluted apple cider vinegar can help in breaking down the debris collected in the tonsil stones. Just take 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and mix it with 1 cup of warm water and gargle for a few seconds. Do this atleast three times a day to loosen up the tonsil stones within a few days. There are some risks of using apple cider vinegar that includes the chances of digestive issues and tooth decay. Apple cider vinegar can be found easily in the market or online. Most of these home remedies work best on small tonsils or for preventing this infection.
Also read: Stones Can Be Formed In These 6 Parts Of Your Body
Therefore, these were some useful and natural tonsil stones treatment. You can talk to an expert before trying any of the above listed home remedies. People who have prolonged tonsillitis are at a greater risk of getting tonsil stones. The best way to prevent these is to remove your tonsils. Good dental hygiene can help in preventing tonsil stones. You should brush and floss your teeth everyday to remove bacteria and keep the substances away from getting stuck in your tonsils. You should also have a habit of gargling with water after eating food to avoid any buildup.
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