Remove Tonsilloliths and Tonsil Stones

Before I tell you how to remove Tonsilloliths and Tonsil Stones, I want you to understand what they are and where they come from. Tonsilloliths, or tonsil stones as they are also called, result from debris that gets lodged in your tonsillar crypts. In plain English, these crypts are pockets in your tonsils. Obviously, if your tonsils have been removed, you won't have this problem.

Tonsils range from being relatively smooth, with shallow pockets, to very rough with deep pockets. When your tonsils are swollen regularly, as they are with chronic tonsillitis, the openings to these crypts or pockets may become wider, and the crypts deeper. This allows a greater quantity of debris to accumulate. New stones may begin to form on top of older ones.

The debris from which the stones are formed consists of food particles, dead cells from the lining of your mouth, mucous from post-nasal drip, and bacteria of various sorts, especially anaerobic bacteria from the back of the tongue. Keep in mind that the anaerobic bacteria are a primary cause of bad breath. All of this gets jumbled up together and attacked by white blood cells. The result is a white or yellowish, cauliflower-shaped lump that's typically rock-hard and usually tastes horrible and smells atrocious.

As I've read what's been posted around the Internet by people who suffer from this condition, it's become obvious that most people know very little about tonsil stones. Those who have them but don't understand what they are or where they come from worry that they have a serious disease, maybe even cancer. Relax! Nothing could be further from the truth.

Those of you who really suffer from this problem will probably find this difficult to believe, but for many people, tonsil stones are barely noticeable. The stones are small, the tonsil crypts not too deep, so the stones fall out on their own or as the result of a cough. But for others, tonsil stones may cause extreme discomfort. In addition to chronic bad breath, failure to remove tonsilloliths may result in the feeling that there's an object lodged in the back of the throat. It could also cause a persistent sore throat as well as frequent bouts of tonsillitis.

Now that you have an understanding of what they are, where and how they form, you're ready to learn how to remove tonsilloliths, and more importantly, how to prevent their return.

Many people remove tonsilloliths by poking at them and scraping them out with a fingernail. There are drawbacks to using this method. For one thing, it's not very hygienic plus you could scratch your tonsil. If you insist on using this method, please wash your hands thoroughly with an anti-bacterial soap first.

Another low-tech method is to use a cotton swab to squeeze your tonsil until any stones come out. If you decide to try this, I recommend that you moisten the swab with water first. This will help prevent cotton strands from sticking to your tonsil.

If you're one of those who insist on poking at their tonsils with a swab or finger to remove tonsilloliths, consider using your toothbrush instead. Although this method is more likely to make you gag, it's also more effective, more sanitary, and safer than the first two. When using this method, be sure to use a soft toothbrush. Gently brush the part of the tonsil where you believe the stone is.

Maybe you'd prefer to remove tonsilloliths using a method that's a bit more high-tech and accurate. Do you have an irrigating device such as a Waterpik Irrigator? If you do, you can use the tongue attachment to direct a spray into the crypt containing the tonsil stone. It's important to use the device on its lowest pressure setting. Be aware that for some people, even the lowest setting is too strong. A spray that's too strong is capable of tearing through tonsil tissue. If this is the case, you can modify the tongue attachment by using a small hobby drill to enlarge the tip slightly.

If you can't get rid of them yourself, and they're still driving you nuts, it's time to see an Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist, or ENT. Your dentist or doctor can refer you to a good ENT. There are a number of techniques available to an ENT, including surgical excision of the stones.

There is one more way to remove tonsilloliths that's far more effective than any of the others, and that's to have your tonsils taken out. I can't recommend this method if you're having it done just to eliminate tonsil stones. This surgery is risky enough for a child. For adults, the risk is higher and the pain following the surgery is guaranteed to be more intense. If your ENT recommends the procedure be done for other reasons, then it makes sense to consider it. Your ENT will discuss the benefits and risks with you to help you make the informed decision that's best for you.

White Lumps

In some instances of bad breath white lumps form in the very back of the throat on the tonsils. These are called tonsiloliths, or tonsil stones. Tonsil stones are little stones of accumulated refuse from the sinuses and throat: dead skin cells are always being shed, along with immune cells that patrol your respiratory passages for invading organisms and other foreign objects. You have a constant flow of mucous and saliva past your tonsils, which can be particularly pronounced if you suffer from post nasal drip, or irritated sinuses.

Little accumulations of all this dead material lodge in the tonsillar crypts and can become quite large and hard, often creating a sensation of something being stuck on the back of the throat. Many people notice that they have them, and wonder what they are. If they've noticed that they have bad breath white lumps become a prime suspect for the problem. Tonsiloliths may indeed play a role in halitosis.

Something else that is common in the back of the throat is oral bacteria. The oral cavity contains many different kinds of organisms, some of which have still not been identified. We do know, however, that anaerobic bacteria live on the back of the tongue, where they are protected from oxygen, and break down proteins, including dead skin cells and the other things that accumulate in tonsiloliths. It's no surprise, then, that these bacteria also proliferate in the tonsillar crypts and on tonsil stones when they are present. One more piece of information links bad breath white lumps and anaerobic bacteria.

Anaerobic bacteria smell famously bad - they produce the smell of feces, halitosis, and rotting organic material where there is little air circulation. They do this because they produce malodorous compounds, often called volatile sulfur compounds, when they break down protein molecules. If you know the smell of sulfur (rotten egg), you know how offensive these compounds can be. These compounds are being produced in the tonsiloliths that anaerobic bacteria are living on - bad breath white lumps and anaerobic bacteria are a team.

Tonsiloliths are hard to get rid of: though they eventually dislodge and are swallowed, these bad breath white lumps are sure to recur unless the tonsils are removed. This type of surgery is really not recommended any more, except in exceptional circumstances, so the best remedy is to gargle regularly with a good mouthwash that fights the anaerobes, and try to gently dislodge the larger tonsil stones , if you can.

Tonsiloliths

What are tonsiloliths? Some people notice that they have small white hard lumps in the back of the throat in the tonsil region. The lumps range in size from quite tiny to pea size and they tend to remain lodged in the tonsillar area for some time, until they eventually become dislodged. They are often associated with a bad smell coming from the tonsil area, and may create the physical sensation of having something lodged in the back of the throat.

Tonsiloliths are accumulations of dead skin cells and other cellular and noncellular debris that wash down the back of the throat from the sinuses and nasal cavities. People who suffer from post nasal drip often have tonsiloliths because they have a regular flow of mucus and sinus drainage past the tonsils. The little stones occur in the tonsillar crypts because this is one place where material can become lodged. Because they contain abundant protein, they provide a fertile place for bacteria to flourish, particularly the anaerobic bacteria that live on the back of the tongue and in other airless places in the mouth. The growth and metabolism of these bacteria produce bad breath from tonsils - halitosis.

Tonsiloliths, sometimes also referred to as tonsil stones, can be very difficult to get rid of. Though the individual stones eventually become dislodged and get swallowed, more will soon begin to form. Individuals who have had their tonsils removed usually do not suffer from tonsiloliths, but tonsillectomy is not a recommended treatment for the problem: remedies are best directed at the bad breath from tonsils as this is the most troublesome symptom.

The odor that emanates as bad breath from tonsils is caused by sulfur compounds produced by bacteria. The bacteria live and multiply in and on the tonsil stones, thus they will not be affected much by brushing the teeth or tongue, or rinsing the mouth with antibacterial mouthwashes. Breath sprays and mints are also likely to be ineffective. The best approach is to gargle regularly with a good mouthwash that is designed to reduce the numbers of anaerobic bacteria in the mouth. This will not only reduce the odor, it may also help to dislodge the tonsil stones.

Tonsillitis Treatment, Causes, Symptoms

Tonsillitis Definition: Tonsillitis refers to inflammation of the pharyngeal tonsils.The inflammation may involve other areas of the back of the throat including the adenoids and the lingual tonsils.The tonsils are lymph nodes, or oval-shaped masses of lymph gland tissue, located on both sides of the throat. An infection of the tonsils is called tonsillitis.

There are several variations of tonsillitis: acute, recurrent, and chronic tonsillitis and peritonsillar abscess. This swelling is usually caused by either a viral or bacterial infection. Tonsillitis is the name given to swollen, red, and tender tonsils.

Tonsillitis is usually a self-limiting condition, ie it gets better without treatment, and generally there are no complications.Tonsillitis is extremely common in children and young people but it can occur at any age. The characteristics of the disease are pain in the throat and trouble swallowing.

Tonsillitis usually begins with sudden sore throat and painful swallowing.

Causes for tonsillitis:

Some important causes of tonsillitis includes:

Streptococcus and glandular fever

When tonsillitis is caused by bacteria, the most common type of bacteria that causes tonsillitis are streptococci.

Glandular fever is one of the viral illnesses which can cause tonsillitis, but there are many other viruses that may also be responsible.These includes: herpes simplex virus, Streptococcus pyogenes (GABHS) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus, adenovirus, and the measles virus.

The following are the most common symptoms for tonsillitis:

Tonsillitis causes include viral infections such as the flu, the common cold, mononucleosis. Streptococcus is the most common bacterial cause. Bacterial tonsillitis can be treated with antibiotics, but viral tonsillitis cannot.
Tonsillitis is transmitted most commonly from one person to another by social contact such as- coughs, sneezes, and nasal fluids.
Only about 30% of tonsillitis in children is caused by strep throat.
Only 10% of tonsillitis in adults is caused by strep throat.
There will be pain in mouth with swallowing.
headache
loss of appetite is the common symptom of tonsillitis.
There will be high temperature during tonsillitis.
vomiting
abdominal pain
In tonsillitis, there will be white or yellow spots of pus on the tonsils.
Sore throat - some children complain of pain in their tummy, rather than a sore throat.
Swollen lymph glands under each side of the jaw.
Earache
Headache
Bad breath
Herbal treatment for tonsillitis:

Some important herbal treatments for tonsillitis includes:

Gelsemium 6C: It is a well-known herb for the treatment of tonsilitis. It is mainly used for the healing process of tonsils.

Belladonna 30C: A Homeopathic remedy used for fast relief of acute fever, pain, headaches, sore throat, swollen tonsils, dry cough.

Gallium aperine: (also known as Cleavers):It is an excellent cleansing tonic and has a beneficial effect on all the lymph glands, including the tonsils. Gallium aperine is effective in relieving swollen tonsils and other lymph glands and is also recommended for glandular fever.

Salvia officinalis: It has a beneficial effect on all conditions of the mouth and throat and has well-known herbal astringent, antibiotic and antiseptic properties.

Home remedies for tonsillitis:

Take aspirin if you are an adult, acetaminophen if you are a child, which help to numb the throat.
Stay hydrated. Drink iced beverages or suck on popsicles. Frozen liquids help numb the throat. Try hot teas with honey, and clear soups.
Get plenty of rest.
Avoid cigarette smoke and other irritants.
Fenugreek Seeds: A gargle made from fenugreek seeds is very effective in severe cases of tonsillitis.
Steve Mathew is a writer, who writes many great articles on home remedies and herbal remedies and some conditions and ailments. For more information on tonsillitis and tonsillitis treatment, visit http://www.home-remedies.info

Why Does Your Breath Smell After Tonsillectomy

Tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils and generally occurs in children. It is caused by either a virus or a bacterium, which is known as streptococcus, the same bacterium that causes strep throat.

What are tonsils

The tonsils are organs which are small and almond shaped that are located in the mouth on both sides of the throat. Tonsils are seen as the main defense against disease which cause germs to enter the body through the mouth, nose and throat. They protect against germs during early childhood by producing antibodies. By attacking bacteria and viruses, antibodies play an essential role in the immune system. The only problem is that, when going through the process of protecting the body, the tonsils can become in actual fact infected themselves. This can often result the need for tonsillectomy.

What is tonsillectomy

Tonsillectomy is a process whereby the tonsils are surgically removed. They are masses of lymphatic tissue which are located in the back of the throat. Tonsils are generally only removed when the patient has inflammation or infection in the tonsils.

It is one of the most common operations performed on children in the United States today, and new methods such as laser and electrosurgery have been introduced and continue to be developed to improve the technique of tonsil surgery in order to decrease pain and discomfort.

Side effect of tonsillectomy

By having tonsillectomy, the patient can suffer afterwards with bad breath. This is due to the healing process in the back of the throat. It is also caused by the fluid which comes out of the infected lymphatic tissue. This fluid can in actual fact coat the teeth and inner mouth which will result in bad breath.

Tips to speed up recovery after tonsillectomy

It is always essential that after undergoing a tonsillectomy, you rinse and gargle with a solution of salt water to improve bad breath. By chewing gum you can also decrease the smell of the breath. It is common that most patients breathe through their mouth when sleeping and snore during the recovery period. This is due to the swelling in the back of the throat. However, this generally only lasts for two to three weeks.

Though the patient may be inclined to rinse the mouth with an everyday mouthwash to help eliminate bad breath, it is advised that such mouthwashes be avoided whilst going through the recovery period. It is important to continue with the salt water solution. This is because such off-the-shelf mouthwashes can in actual fact cause the patient to have a dry throat and mouth which will cause discomfort.

Another reason for the bad breath after tonsillectomy is that the consumption of solid food is not possible. Therefore different dietary needs are required, which means that you will be eating different foods than your body is normally used to, which may also result in bad breath.

Do you suffer from bad breath after tonsillectomy? Learn how you can eliminate bad breath today with our free resources.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kelvin_Ho_Wee_Min

Should My Tonsils Be Removed?

Dr. Jack Paradise, of the University of Pittsburgh, reports that surgically removing tonsils and adenoids has little, if any, effect in preventing recurrences of ear infections. Doctors still remove more than 400,000 tonsils each year.

Tonsils and adenoids are lymphatic tissue. Tonsils should never be removed before age four, because prior to age four they are a major supplier of the cells and proteins that help to protect you from being infected with viruses and bacteria. However after that, the tonsils and adenoids are less important in protecting you from infections and removing them does not appear to cause harm. Dr. Paradise followed 461 children who had recurrent ear infections. Those who had had their tonsils and adenoids removed were just as likely to suffer recurrences.

An editorial in the Journal of the American Medical Association recommends preventing recurrent ear infections with environmental control from filth, mold and dust mites, episodic antibiotics, childhood immunizations, ear tubes and "selected removal of adenoids" when all else fails. Fluid produced in the middle ear flows down the eustachian tube into the mouth, where the child swallows it without even knowing about it. Children have such small eustachian tubes that they are blocked, causing fluid to accumulate in their ears. Taking the antibiotic, erythromycin, may help clear fluid from a child's ear just by stimulating the cilia to sweep out the accumulated fluid.

Since the eustachian tube enlarges as a child grows, the tube usually opens by itself in time and it is rarely necessary to perform surgery. However, if the doctor feels that fluid in the drum can interfere with a child's hearing or school work or that permanent damage in possible, it is reasonable to relieve this pressure by punching a hole in the ear drum and inserting a tube to keep it open.

The main reasons to remove tonsils are blockage of the flow of air to a child's lungs and when an abscess forms. Even then, doctors can often avoid surgery because tonsils reach their maximum size at ages eight to ten, and then become smaller with each passing year. However, tonsils are usually removed when a child has sleep apnea, a condition in which he stops breathing intermittently during sleep, severe snoring or significant difficulty swallowing.

Doctors now have a rapid strep test to help them diagnose and treat strep throat infections while the child is still in the office. Surgery is now safer than ever with newer equipment such as electrocauteries that can remove tonsils without causing bleeding.

Dr. Gabe Mirkin has been a radio talk show host for 25 years and practicing physician for more than 40 years; he is board certified in four specialties, including sports medicine. Read or listen to hundreds of his fitness and health reports at http://www.DrMirkin.com

Bad Breath Because Of Your Tonsils

Bad breath because of tonsils is a different condition from bad breath caused by bacteria living on the tongue and breaking down cells and proteins naturally present in the mouth. When bacteria colonize and infect the tonsils, the condition is tonsillitis, and it is an infection that requires medical attention.

The bacteria that cause tonsillitis are almost always Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria - most people know the condition as strept throat. The infected tonsils become extremely inflamed, developing pockets of pus in the tonsillar crypts and causing an extremely sore throat, often accompanied by fever and vomiting. When the tonsil produces pus bad breath results. Bad breath because of tonsils has a rotten meat odor that is subtly different from the rotten egg sulfur smell produced in ordinary bad breath. In addition, the unfortunate person with tonsillitis generally feels extremely unwell and there is no doubt that something serious is going on.

Bad breath because of tonsils is not the worst consequence of strept throat. A greater danger is the risk of the infection being followed by scarlet fever, or rheumatic fever, which can damage the heart. Most cases of strept throat will get better on their own, but treatment with antibiotics prevents the other diseases from developing later. When a tonsil produces pus bad breath and fever, see your doctor and get a diagnosis. If you have strept throat, you will need an antibiotic.

Not all sore throats are caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, however - many sore throats are caused by viruses, or by bacteria that have no serious consequences. They simply cause misery for a few days, then they're gone. Your body's immune system should be able to take care of these transient infections and no antibiotic treatment is required. An infected tonsil produces pus bad breath generally only in strept throat; however, if you do get bad breath because of tonsils with a sore throat that is not caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, the problem should resolve when the sore throat does.

If you think you have bad breath because of tonsils, but you don't have a very sore throat, the chances are that the problem is not located on the tonsils, but on the tongue or in other areas of the mouth where sulfur compound-producing bacteria thrive. This is a different story altogether. If the problem is ongoing, see your dentist or doctor for a professional opinion, then tackle it with one of the many available remedies.

R. Drysdale is a freelance writer with more than 25 years experience as a health care professional. She is a contributing editor to Bad Breath Cure, a blog dedicated to the treatment of bad breath.