If you have been informed that you have tonsilloliths or tonsil stones, there is normally a small reason to be worried about. These are only hard formations from a build up of calcium, bacteria, mucus, and other elements in the body.
The mouth and throat are full of small pockets or holes in which tonsilloliths or tonsil stones may develop. When bacteria and other elements get lodged into these small openings and are not rinsed away, they can continue to grow into small stone-like formations. You may liken this to acne that develops on the face when bacteria builds up in skin's pores. Obviously acne is not dangerous, but like tonsilloliths or tonsil stones that buildup can get worse over time and cause even larger problems down the road.
Harmless as they may possibly be, tonsilloliths or tonsil stones should be attended to. They can be a result of chronic halitosis when this bacterium persists in building up and will give off an awful odour. In various cases, they can develop to where they obstruct by means of swallowing, choking or coughing. Some may even acquire a constant metallic taste in their mouth due to tonsilloliths or tonsil stones.
There are just some familiar and stoppable causes of tonsilloliths or tonsil stones and ways you can do on your own in addressing them. One is by flossing and brushing regularly. When you’re always doing these, you will get rid of the build up of bacteria between your teeth that in turn can stick into those small openings in the tonsils area.
Flossing is the most important habit since brushing alone does not take away the bacteria and harmful elements between teeth especially those around the back ones. So many people ignore flossing but it is very important for mouth’s health which in turn can greatly help when it comes to evading tonsilloliths or tonsil stones.
Rinsing with mouthwash and other mouth rinses also helps with tonsilloliths or tonsil stones as this gets rid of bacteria as well. It's important to do this daily and especially after eating or before bedtime. If the mouth is not properly rinsed and cleaned before bedtime this means the mouth has time to build up those tonsilloliths or tonsil stones overnight.
Perceptibly, it is good to find a dentist who can help you in keeping your mouth clean and staying in good condition as much as possible. He or she can check up the area of your mouth and throat for tonsilloliths or tonsil stones and get rid of them while they're still small. A dentist can also give you opinion if you're not flossing adequately and may also give you proper instructions on how to do proper flossing. Tonsilloliths or tonsil stones may not really be life threatening but this does not indicate that they should be ignored either.
Posted in: Tonsil Stones