Tonsil stones

A person with tonsil stones may present varied symptoms or it can remain asymptomatic. Tonsil stones most commonly occur after the age of 50, however, it can affect any person in the age group between 10 to 77 years. Both men and women are equally affected. The most common symptoms associated with tonsilloliths are:

• Irritable cough
• Chronic sore throat
• Dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing)
• Otalgia (Earache)
• Chronic halitosis (Bad breath)
• Foul taste
• Abnormal sensation in throat
• White or yellow coloured deposits on tonsil

The anatomical structure of tonsil consists of folds, crypts or crevices. Regular exposure to germs like bacteria, virus and fungi sometimes widens these crypts, providing a way for calcium and other minerals to deposit. These calcified deposits trap the debris of microorganisms and stuck food particles, and appear in the form of white-yellow spots called tonsil stones. People who are prone to infection and inflammation of tonsils develop tonsil stones more easily, however, it can occur to anyone irrespective of any other pathology present in the body.

Some factors that increase the risk of developing tonsilloliths are:

• Bad oral hygiene
• Increased size of a tonsil
• Inflammation of tonsil for a long period of time

When you go to a doctor with suspicion of tonsil stones, he/she might recommend and carry out few evaluating tests and scans to make a definitive diagnosis of tonsilolith. These are as follows:

• Patient history: Your doctor will ask you a few questions related to your past medical history. For example history of cold, pain in the throat, brushing frequency or oral hygiene routine. 
• Clinical examination: After this, he/she will evaluate your tonsils clinically. You will be asked to open your mouth wide and by the help of a bright illuminating source, the doctor will examine your tonsils for the presence of tonsilloliths. Superficial stones will be clearly visible. The size of superficial stones can also be determined just by looking at stones. In many cases, clinical examination alone is enough to make the diagnosis of tonsillolith.
• X-ray: X-ray examination is ordered when the stones are not clearly visible by a physical checkup. It is a standard diagnostic test for tonsillolith. X-rays also illustrate the position, size and shape of tonsil stones. Usually orthopantomogram (OPG) - X-ray image of the whole mouth - is done to see the tonsil stones clearly.
• C-T scan: In certain cases, a CT scan may be ordered to get a better view of the stone and tissue damage, if any, in the surrounding area. 

Usually, tonsil stones do not have any harmful effects on human health but the associated symptoms make them unbearable. Tonsilloliths can be removed easily with treatment. Home remedies can also be used for getting rid of tonsillitis. 

• Vigorous gargling: Saltwater gargling is one of the most common methods of removing tonsilloliths. Vigorous saltwater gargling puts force on the thin lining of tonsils, detaching the stone and providing the much-needed relief.
• Good oral hygiene: Most of the constituents of tonsil stones come from the oral cavity itself. Maintaining good oral hygiene helps in preventing tonsil stones naturally. In addition to this, brushing regularly will help overcome bad breath, which is one of the most commonly reported symptoms of tonsil stones.
• Extraction of tonsil stones: Another method of removing tonsil stones is by using a dental pick or dental swab. Your dentist is the best man for this job. People also try to do this by themselves at home. However, this practice should not be encouraged. Talk to your dentist to get the tonsilloliths removed.
• Tonsillectomy: Tonsillectomy refers to the removal of tonsils through surgery. It is the only way to completely prevent recurrent tonsil stones. However, tonsils are an important part of the immune system and their removal may affect your immunity. Discuss the need for tonsillectomy with your doctor before you decide to go for it.