Tonsil stones?!

Tonsil stones?

Has anyone ever heard of tonsil stones? If so, how do you avoid getting them or control the problem?

Tonsiloliths (tonsil stones)

People with chronic sinusitis and post nasal drip may develop tonsiloliths, which are tiny, white, foul smelling stones which lodge in the tonsilar crypts. Sometimes a tonsolith can be pried out of the surface of the tonsil with a pencil or other small pointed instrument leaving what appears to be a little "hole" but is, in actuality, the tonsilar crypt in which it originally formed. Tonsiloliths sometimes give the feeling of something lodged in the throat. They can also contribute to bad breath. Some people have chronic problems with tonsiloliths. The only sure treatment for chronic tonsiloliths is removal of the tonsils. The operation is performed by an ear, nose and throat specialist (ENT) and is fairly simple and safe. As noted above, in adults the operation causes a very serious sore throat for two weeks post-op. Short of removing the tonsils, the bad breath can be treated with mouth rinses, and the condition itself may be lessened by gargling with Peridex® mouth wash which is available by prescription from your dentist or physician, and possibly by the use of decongestants to lessen the post nasal drip which is part of the cause of tonsiloliths.