“What are the symptoms of tonsil stones?”
I'm 22 years old. I've never had bad breath before, but now my breath smells awful and it started rather suddenly. I also am having trouble swallowing and the back of my throat feels irritated. Could this be from tonsil stones?
2 Answers
Tonsil stones (aka tonsilliths) are not serious. They can represent colonization with a bacteria known as actinomyces. If you aren't really bothered by them, no aggressive therapy is warranted. Gargling with water salt water or non-alcohol based mouthwashes can be beneficial. Gentle manual/digital pressure can help to remove these as well. Avoid putting anything the back of your throat that you could swallow and get stuck in your throat or end up in your stomach such as a toothbrush/Q-tip etc.
Epithelial collections or concretions in the tonsillar crypts. Symptoms: Lump sensation, focal inflammations/infection, halitosis. Can debride them with an appropriate instrument, try gargling to remove them with dilute salt water, Some cases require tonsillectomy.
