The Star (Jamaica)

Tonsil stones making her life hell

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to a pea. Rarely do they become quite large.

Tonsil stones can cause: Halitosis (bad breath) Sore throat

Difficulty swallowing Ear pain

Swollen tonsils

Consult with an ear nose and throat (ENT) specialist and get their opinion on how best to manage the problem.

However, there are several natural remedies which can be used to adequately treat this problem.

Possible underlying causes of tonsil stones are:

Poor dental hygiene

Chronic sinus issues with chronic post-nasal drip

Large tonsils

Chronic tonsilliti­s

Prescripti­on medication­s which dry the mouth

Steps you can take to prevent tonsil stone formation are:

PractiSe good oral hygiene by cleaning your teeth properly and regularly.

Brush your tongue, also. Dental floss every day.

Stop smoking.

Take vitamin C supplement­s. Vigorously cough if you feel a tonsil stone to try and loosen it.

Gargle several times a day with salt water.

Drink plenty water to remain well hydrated.

Get rid of the post-nasal drip, which supplies the glue for the stones, by using prescribed steroidal nasal sprays and antihistam­ines long term.

Avoid the following foods which seem to worsen tonsil stone formation:

Alcohol

Tea

Coffee

Dairy-based products which facilitate mucous production

Sugary foods – chocolate, sweets, sodas, baked desserts

Nuts

Treatment for tonsil stones will include:

Prescripti­on antibiotic­s

ENT laser treatment

Getting a tonsillect­omy

Natural methods to eliminate tonsil stones:

Using liquid grapefruit seed extract – Add five to 10 drops to a glass of water and drink this once or twice a day or gargle with it, then spit it out if it’s too acidic for you. Taking daily probiotics. Chewing raw garlic at bed time Fill a syringe with warm salt water or hydrogen peroxide – 50/50 dilution solution – and flush out the tonsil crypts and stones using the solution with a little pressure on the syringe.

Gargling with vinegar or baking soda every day.

Gargling several times daily with antibacter­ial mouthwash.

Eliminatin­g post-nasal drips through nasal irrigation, using nasal squirt bottles containing normal saline solution.

Using an electric toothbrush to brush the tonsils can also help to gently remove tonsil stones.

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