What are tonsil stones and maybe I have them?

• 2016

1. Bad breath and persistent throat infections: Then you may also have tonsil stones
2. What are tonsil stones?
3. Tonsil stones can vary in size
4. Are tonsil stones dangerous?
5. What can be done against tonsil stones?

Bad breath and persistent throat infections: Then you may also have tonsil stones

Recently a friend told me that she used to have tonsillitis and therefore had tonsil stones. "Tonsil stones, what is it?" was my first reaction. But the little stones that form in the throat, are not so unknown. And the bad thing about the little lumps: they stink.

What are tonsil stones?

Actually, tonsil stones are completely harmless. Every human has it in the cleft of its palate tonsil (not to be confused with pharyngeal tonsils that sit deeper). The lumps are mainly waste products of gland cells and white blood cells. About one percent of tonsil stones are leftover food. The self-cleaning process ensures that every now and then a lump is secreted and normally swallowed unnoticed.

But now and then a stone dissolves and wanders upwards towards the mouth . Maybe you have already fished out such a small lump from the mouth and crushed. Then you notice quite quickly: You but a stinky smell . If tonsil stones are deposited on the almond instead of in the cracks, you get bad breath.

Tonsil stones can vary in size

Some people never notice their almond stones. For others, the lumps are bigger or you just have more of them. What exactly increases the formation of tonsil stones, is so far not very clear.

It is believed that in tonsil stones that enter the oral cavity, the transport mechanism is disturbed. In addition, the self-cleaning mechanism of the almonds can be destroyed. The reason for this may be damage from a severe infection or frequent tonsillitis . So tonsil stones remain on the tonsils and provide for bad breath.

Are tonsil stones dangerous?

No, because the small lumps are completely normal. Tonsil stones are not synonymous with tonsillitis. Nevertheless, if the stones disturb you, you should consult an ENT specialist. He can clarify whether it makes sense to remove the palate tonsils.

What can be done against tonsil stones?

Many people manage to remove the almond stones themselves. This can be done with a cotton swab or a finger. Removing the tonsil stones also stops the bad breath. However, the lumps form after.

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