onsils are gland-like structures that are located in the back of the throat. We have two small masses of soft tissue (called tonsils). They are part of the infection-fighting lymphatic system.
Tonsils have lymphocytes which are white blood cells that ward off and fight against infections in the body. The tonsils are the first line of defense of the immune system because everything that goes into the mouth passes by them before they enter the body. Tonsil stones are also known as tonsillar crypts, tonsil calculi, and tonsilloliths.
Tonsil stones happen when debris and bacteria gather in the tonsils and harden, forming calcified lumps. Bacteria, dead cells, food, mucus, and other debris can collect in the grooves or crypts on the surface of the tonsils. [1]
When many materials get stuck on the tonsils, then your body is fighting to rid of what is not belonging to it. When the white blood cells finish their job, then they leave behind calcified bits on the tonsils. Usually, they get swallowed. But if they get stuck in your tonsils, then they continue to grow, and bacteria will feed on them.
They are tonsil stones which are hard and white/yellowish formations on the tonsils. You can see them with the naked eye. There are many symptoms of tonsil stones, such as ear pain, tonsil swelling, trouble swallowing, sore throat, bad breath, and white or yellow flecks at the back of your throat. The most common causes of tonsil stones are having large tonsils, chronic sinus issues, and poor dental hygiene. [1] If you have tonsil stones, then you need to talk with your doctor before you start using some of the below-mentioned home remedies for this condition.
13 Home remedies on how to get rid of tonsil stones
Probiotics
You should consume probiotics in food and supplement form on a daily basis because it will kill the bad bacteria which are caused by tonsil stones. [2] Some of the best food choices for probiotics are goat’s milk yogurt, kimchi, and coconut kefir. It is known that most types of yogurt have probiotics which are good bacteria that will fight against the bad bacteria. You should snack on yogurt regularly to dissolve tonsil stones. You should look for live and active cultures on the ingredient or label list to make sure that you are buying a probiotic option.
Carrots
Carrots are rich in beta–carotene, which is a reason why they are one of the best natural cures for the health of the eyes. Also, when you chew carrots, then they can help you to rid of tonsil stones by destroying bacteria. [3] When you eat vegetables like celery or carrots, then your flow of saliva is increasing, and also this can help you to rid of bacteria in the mouth that cause the development of tonsil stones.
Lemon juice
You should drink lemon juice on a regular basis because it can help you to dissolve tonsil stones. It has Vitamin C, which can help to remove tonsil stones effectively. Lemon juice has natural acidity, which makes it one of the best home remedies for fighting tonsil stones. [4] You should mix a few tablespoons of lemon juice in a cup of warm water. You can add a bit of salt to this lemon water and then drink it. You should try to keep the lemon juice swirling around the affected areas around your tonsils before you swallow. Each time you drink some of this natural cure, you should try to hold it in your mouth for at least a minute.
Onions
It is a known fact that this home remedy has strong antibacterial properties. You should add onions to your daily diet because they can help to break down tonsil stones and ward off new ones from forming. When you eat raw onions, then they can help to improve oral health and also rid of bacteria. This natural cure can help to prevent oral infections because it has antibacterial properties. [5] You should chew raw onions for 2–3 minutes on daily basis, and they can help you to remove and prevent tonsil stones. Bad breath is a very common symptom of tonsil stones, and onions can help you to rid of this symptom.
Garlic cloves
There are many studies which are shown that garlic has powerful antibacterial properties. You should chew on a raw garlic clove several times per day because it can help to kill off the bacteria which is causing tonsil stones. Garlic has anti-bacterial properties, which are reasons why garlic is used to treat many conditions that are caused by bacteria, and tonsil stones are one of them. [6]
Stay hydrated
You should keep yourself hydrated because this is a part of the prevention and removal of tonsil stones. You should be sure that you are consuming enough water each and every day. If you have a dry mouth with too little saliva production, then this makes it easier for bacteria to flourish in your mouth. This will encourage the formation and enlargement of tonsil stones. You should know that saliva helps to prevent infections by keeping bacteria and fungi in your mouth under control.
Saltwater
When you are gargling with salt water on a regular basis, then this is one of the best ways to prevent tonsil stones. Also, this is one of the most effective home remedies for the riding of tonsil stones. You should combine a teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of water and gargle it on daily basis or even a few times each day. When you are gargling with salt water, then you can help to detoxify your mouth, and you can rid of any stray debris which could end up forming a tonsil stone. When you are gargling vigorously, then it can help you to loosen any tonsil stones which are stuck in your tonsils.
Oil pulling for tonsil stones treatment
Oil pulling is commonly used as a natural treatment for tonsil stones in Ayurvedic medicine, and it is a fantastic oral detoxification method. This natural treatment is done by swishing a tablespoon of oil (typically sesame, olive, or coconut oil are used) in your mouth for ten to twenty minutes and then spitting it out. This is one of the best natural treatments to fight against cavities and gum disease. Also, it is one of the best natural treatments for tonsil stones. When you swish daily with coconut oil, then it can help to loosen tonsil stones, and also it can help you to rid of bacteria from your mouth. [7]
Apple cider vinegar
This is a home remedy for many different ailments. It is one of the best home remedies for tonsil stones. You should add one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to 8 ounces of warm water. You should gargle with this home remedy 1–3 times per day. This home remedy will help to break down tonsil stones. When you are gargling, then it can help to dislodge the stones from their unapproved resting place.
Good oral hygiene
The key to preventing tonsil stones is keeping good oral hygiene. We know that tonsil stones can form from undigested food particles and other debris, so this is a reason why you need to keep your mouth clean by brushing and flossing regularly. Ideally, is to do this after every meal. If you make sure that you are not leaving any food remnants in your mouth, then this decreases the available material for tonsil stones formation.
Toothbrush
You should locate the position of the tonsil stone and use the toothbrush bristles to apply pressure on the tonsil until they loosen. You should push them off and then gargle to remove the remaining stones.
Apples
This is a very effective home remedy for tonsil stones because it can dislodge stones on their way to your stomach. One of the most common causes of tonsil stones is poor oral hygiene. Apples have mild acidity, which is also one of the best ways to rid of bacteria and dissolve tonsil stones, and also it can help you to clean your teeth. When you chew apples, then they act as a toothbrush which means that they are scrubbing your teeth and gums, and they leave your teeth clean. You can improve your oral hygiene and get rid of tonsil stones by adding apples to your diet. [8]
Essential oils
There are some essential oils which are possessing anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, which are very beneficial for tonsil stones. Theives, myrrh, and lemongrass essential oils are some of the essential oils which can be used as natural treatments for tonsil stones. You should add a few drops of some of these essential oils to your toothbrush each day as you brush your teeth and tongue. Also, you can get these essential oils in a spray bottle and apply them by spraying them on the affected area.
References
[1] Bamgbose BO, Ruprecht A, Hellstein J, et al. The prevalence of tonsilloliths and other soft tissue calcifications in patients attending oral and maxillofacial radiology clinic of the University of Iowa. ISRN Dentistry. 2014;2014:839635.
[2] Di Pierro F, Adami T, Rapacioli G, et al. Clinical evaluation of the oral probiotic Streptococcus salivarius K12 in the prevention of recurrent pharyngitis and/or tonsillitis caused by Streptococcus pyogenes in adults. Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy. 2013;13(3):339-43.
[3] Babic I, Nguyen-the C, Amiot MJ, Aubert S. Antimicrobial activity of shredded carrot extracts on food-borne bacteria and yeast. Journal of Applied Bacteriology. 1994;76(2):135-41.
[4] Hemila H. Vitamin C and infections. Nutrients. 2017;9(4):339.
[5] Kim JH. Anti-bacterial action of onion (Allium cepa L.) extracts against oral pathogenic bacteria. The Journal of Nihon University School of Dentistry. 1997;39(3):136-41.
[6] Ankri S, Mirelman D. Antimicrobial properties of allicin from garlic. Microbes and Infection. 1999;1(2):125-9.
[7] Gbinigie O, Onakpoya I, Spencer E, et al. Effect of oil pulling in promoting oro dental hygiene: A systematic review of randomized clinical trials. Complementary Therapies in Medicine. 2016;26:47-54.
[8] Abu Bakar M, McKimm J, Haque SZ, et al. Chronic tonsillitis and biofilms: a brief overview of treatment modalities. Journal of Inflammation Research. 2018;11:329-337.
