What Are Tonsil Stones?

Treating Tonsil Stones

The proper treatment for tonsil stones varies and mainly depends on the size of the stone and its potential to further cause discomfort or harm. Treatment options include at-home removal, salt water gargles, antibiotics, surgical removal, and not treating the stones at all. Many tonsil stones, especially small stones with no accompanying symptoms, do not require any special treatment and can alleviate themselves. At-home removal includes an individual choosing to dislodge their tonsil stones at home with the use of picks or swabs, which is not recommended until the patient has a medical professional examine their stones.

Gargling with warm, salty water can be an immense help with easing discomfort, and antibiotics can be used to treat tonsil stones, as although it can alleviate pain, it does not correct the initial problem causing the tonsil stones.

Lastly, surgery is the final option, as when the tonsil stones become exceedingly large and symptomatic, it can become a necessity for them to be surgically removed. Learn about this next.