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What are tonsil stones?
Tonsil stones, also known as tonsilloliths refer to the formation of hard bacteria, debris, and calcified deposits inside the grooves of the tonsils (known as the tonsil crypts). Dead cells, mucus, and bacteria get trapped, and when this debris bonds together, it forms tonsil stones. The tonsils are the part of the throat at its base, made up of lymphocyte tissue. Lymphocyte cells are a part of the body’s immune system to fight infections. The tonsils act as a barrier against viruses and bacteria, so there is a possibility of them getting infected. In certain cases, the symptoms are not very severe and home remedies can resolve the problem. Gagging with apple cider vinegar is perhaps the most commonly used home remedy.
Popular home remedy for tonsil stones
With apple cider vinegar tonsil stones can be reduced ultimately completely cured. What you need to do is dilute the apple cider vinegar with some water and then use the solution to gargle. The ideal solution composition is one tablespoon of the vinegar in one cup of water. It is preferable for the water to be warm because warm water itself is known to be effective against throat infections. Doing so 3 times a day should be sufficient. This is a useful treatment because the acidic property of apple cider vinegar can help break down the tonsil stones. This remedy is useful particularly when the tonsilloliths are a result of respiratory tract infection or an allergy. Apple cider vinegar is known for its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and its effectiveness against bacterial and inflammatory infections.
It must, however, not be forgotten that apple cider vinegar gargling has the potential of causing tooth decay and digestive problems. in the majority of cases, simple home remedies like apple cider vinegar gargling are very effective in removing tonsil stones other similar remedies include gargling with salt water, gargling with mouthwash, using an oral irrigator, and using essential oils.
If things get serious
Tonsil stones can normally be removed easily at home by several home remedies, but it is often advisable to seek medical attention. If your doctor recommends tonsillectomy, go for it instead. It is a very simple and low-risk procedure used to remove the stones that do not come out with home remedies. This procedure does not have any lasting side effects. The patient may suffer from throat pain and bleeding, but other than that the procedure is safe
Laser treatment is another medical procedure used to cure tonsil stones. This is a useful treatment because laser is effective in removing the tissue holding the tonsil pockets. The laser is used to resurface the tonsils so that there are no holes or pockets left after removing the tonsil stones.
You might also consider the use of antibiotics, but only after consulting your doctor. This might be necessary for severe tonsil stones. Penicillin is one such antibiotic that can be used to treat tonsilloliths
