Tonsil stones are mostly harmless, even if they cause discomfort. They may dislodge or dissolve on their own, but they can also grow quite large or keep coming back. If you have large and/or recurrent tonsil stones, you should visit a doctor for removal and to find the underlying cause.
What type of doctor removes tonsil stones?
Good oral hygiene, including gargling with warm salt water, helps with managing tonsil stones. Tonsil stones can be surgically removed if necessary, by an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist.
Are tonsil stones a dental issue?
Although less common than cavities and gum disease, tonsil stones can cause serious problems if left untreated. Your dentist may first recommend treating your tonsil stone with at-home remedies like saltwater mouthwash or gargle with vinegar and water.
Can a dentist remove tonsil?
You may wonder if your dentist can remove tonsils. Unfortunately, dentists do not remove tonsils. Throughout your day, it’s likely you don’t pay any attention to the tonsils in the back of your throat.
Should you see a doctor or dentist for tonsil stones Related Questions
Should I go to ENT for tonsil stones?
You may need to consult your ENT specialist if any of the following occur: You have symptoms of stones but cannot see them. You cannot remove the stone yourself or only a portion of it is removed. You have pain after removing a tonsil stone.
Does an ENT deal with tonsil stones?
If you cannot remove the stones yourself, your ENT doctor can perform a tonsil stone removal in their office. Laser tonsil cryptolysis uses a laser to eliminate the crypt where the stones are lodged. Severe and chronic cases may require a removal on the tonsils, known as a tonsillectomy.
Why am I suddenly getting tonsil stones?
Poor oral hygiene, as well as tobacco use, can increase the likelihood of tonsil stones. But in other individuals, it’s the structure of the tonsils themselves that makes them more prone to developing tonsil stones.
What if my tonsil stones won’t come out?
For larger stones that won’t budge, or if you have symptoms of a tonsil stone but don’t see one in your throat, it’s time to consult a doctor. Procedures for removing stubborn tonsil stones include: Saltwater gargles. Numbing your throat, so that the doctor can manually remove the stone.
Can tonsils grow back?
It is possible for tonsils to partially grow back. During a tonsillectomy, most of the tonsils are removed. However, some tissue often remains, so tonsils occasionally can regenerate (regrow) ‚Äî although they probably won’t grow back completely or to their original size.
Do tonsil stones mean bad oral hygiene?
Tonsil Stones Are Not Necessarily Caused by Poor Oral Hygiene, but Practicing Good Care Can Help. A common misconception is that tonsil stones are caused by not practicing good oral hygiene. But the truth is that people who brush, floss, and take good care of their teeth and gums can still develop tonsil stones.
Why doctors avoid tonsil surgery?
Recurrent tonsillitis not only occurs in children, but in adults too. Although surgery can prevent tonsillitis, it is associated with certain risks. The main one is bleeding after surgery. Inflammation of the palatine tonsils can lead to a sore throat and difficulty swallowing.
How long can tonsil stones last?
If your tonsil stones don’t resolve within 1-3 weeks, it’s time to seek treatment from your ENT, dentist, or healthcare provider. If gargling, coughing, and other home remedies don’t work, your provider may recommend antibiotics or surgical removal.
Why don t doctors remove tonsils?
Why Removing Your Child’s Tonsils May Do More Harm Than Good. Researchers say children who undergo tonsillectomies have a higher risk of asthma and respiratory infections as adults.
Do tonsil stones require surgery?
If you have a history of developing tonsil stones, the best way to get rid of them permanently is to remove your tonsils. Surgery to take out the tonsils is called a tonsillectomy. It is usually done as an outpatient procedure, so you don’t have to stay overnight in the hospital.
What kills bacteria on your tonsils?
Antibiotics. If tonsillitis is caused by a bacterial infection, your doctor will prescribe a course of antibiotics. Penicillin taken by mouth for 10 days is the most common antibiotic treatment prescribed for tonsillitis caused by group A streptococcus.
Will my doctor remove my tonsils if I keep getting tonsil stones?
Usually, tonsil stones can be treated at home. But large stones that cause pain or other problems may have to be removed by a doctor. And if your tonsil stones keep coming back or are bothering you a lot, your doctor may recommend removing your tonsils. Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety.
Can you get sick from tonsil stones?
In severe cases, tonsil stones can lead to chronic tonsil inflammation or infection of your tonsils, which is called tonsillitis. Tonsillitis symptoms include severe throat pain, feeling sick, swelling of the tonsils, and sometimes a fever.
Are tonsil stones embarrassing?
Important Points to Consider. Tonsil stones are common and embarrassing. This is a familiar condition among thousands of Americans, leading to chronic bad breath and tonsil pain. Tonsil stones rarely cause serious health problems, but many people wonder if they can make you sick?
When should I worry about tonsil stones?
If your symptoms are severe, your tonsils are very red, or you have ear pain, see a doctor. These may be signs of tonsillitis, or other, more serious issues. You should also see a doctor if your tonsil stones are very large. If your tonsil stones keep coming back (are recurrent), you should see a doctor.
What foods should you avoid with tonsil stones?
Foods To Be Avoided Alcohol and carbonated beverages must be avoided, as these beverages can cause intense pain, irritation, and burning sensation in the throat. Citrus fruits like oranges and lemons are acidic in nature, which may be too harsh on the throat and irritate the tonsils.