White, lumpy, and hard formations in the tonsil area of the throat are referred to as tonsil stones. These stones can irritate and result in foul-smelling breath. However, if someone has been wondering how to get rid of a tonsil stone, the answer is quite straightforward. These stone-like formations are not very persistent, and in most cases, they go away on their own. However, if these formations persist for long, a doctor will tell his patient how to get rid of a tonsil stone.
Things To Know About Stone-Like Formations In The Tonsil
A person might get tonsil stones and see symptoms like irritation in the throat. But most people may mistake a stone in the throat as a symptom of flu or a sore throat. However, stones are bacterial depositions, and they are not the same as catching a cold.
Common Symptoms
Throat infections and tonsil stones have similar symptoms. So, if a person has foul-smelling breath and feels like a lump is stuck in their throat, it may be a stone. Moreover, ear pain and cough are also common. But only when a person visits a doctor or a throat specialist, to be specific, will he be able to narrow down on the problem.
Diagnosis Of The Condition
When a patient visits a throat specialist, he conducts a thorough examination. Tonsil stones are visible as yellow or white depositions at the posterior part of the mouth.
Removing The Stones
If a person has been suffering from a sore throat and feels a lump in the throat at all times, it can get quite discomforting. Over time, gargling with salt solution can dislodge the depositions. But in some cases, simply gargling may not help, and a doctor may need to intervene. Physically removing a deposition in the throat requires expertise. So, it is best to not try anything at home and visit a doctor who can perform minor surgical procedures to help the patient.
Preventing Stone Formation
Chronically inflamed tonsils and poor dental hygiene are the biggest causes of stone formation. So, if someone suffers from tonsil infection, it is best to treat it with an antibiotic course. If one’s oral hygiene is poor, one needs to start following norms like brushing teeth regularly, using mouthwashes, etc. So if you prevent stone formation you will not have to worry about how to get rid of a tonsil stone.
Conclusion
How to get rid of a tonsil stone is a question that is always on the minds of patients. These formations are easy to dislodge by gargling or via manual removal(surgically). However, it is always better to prevent them from forming by maintaining proper oral health. Also, visiting a doctor for regular oral check-ups can help prevent stone formation.