Many people have noticed yellowish or white chunks in the back of the throat, which have an extremely unpleasant odor. These chunks are called tonsil stones, or tonsilloliths, and they are a sign of poor health.
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The tonsil stones occur when the debris, mucus, and trapped dead cells harden into a calcified mass, forming a white or yellow ball in the tonsil pockets.
White Chunks That Come from the Back of Throat
The offensive smell results from a build-up of sulfur-producing bacteria. These bacteria are largely responsible for making your breath smell badly.
The tonsil stones can develop in different sizes. Most commonly, the stones are very small and unnoticeable. Nevertheless, if a tonsil stone grows large, it can cause a great discomfort in the throat, which is usually accompanied by various side effects, such as a sore throat, tonsillitis, and earache. Also, the tonsil stones are believed to be one of the reasons for having bad breath, or halitosis.
The development of tonsil stones is common in both adults and children. However, they are most likely to appear in people who suffer from chronic inflammation in their tonsils.
Also, they tend to show up frequently after certain health conditions, such as strep throat and dry mouth. According to various studies, the people who have had their tonsils removed almost never develop tonsil stones.
How to Treat Tonsil Stones?
Often, removing the tonsils is recommended for reducing the occurrence of tonsil stones. However, this may not be the best option since the tonsils play an important role in the immune system because they serve to trap virus and bacteria particles, which are passing through your throat.
Also, the removal of the tonsils brings a great risk of experiencing pain and bleeding, and it should be considered only as a last option.
There are some easy and effective home treatments that can help you to get rid of tonsil stones and to prevent them from reoccurring.
You can remove the stones by gargling salt water or using non-alcohol mouthwash. Another useful tool for clearing the tonsil crypts is a water pick which emits strong pulses of water.
One of the easiest solutions for eliminating tonsil stones is to push them out by using a cotton swab or a toothbrush.
One of the greatest risks for developing tonsil stones is poor dental hygiene, so you should maintain a good oral health by brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day, and you should regularly visit your dentist. Another important factor is having a healthy diet which doesn’t include any sugars and processed foods.