Oral Care to Prevent Tonsil Stones

Posted on 6/20/2022 by Evan

Your tonsils are two lymph nodes located at the back of your throat. They are part of your immune system and help to fight infection. Tonsil stones, or tonsilloliths, are small calcifications that form in the crevices of your tonsils. These stones are made up of food debris, mucus, and bacteria. While they are usually harmless, they can cause bad breath and be uncomfortable. There are a few things you can do to prevent tonsil stones from forming:

Brush Your Teeth Regularly and Floss Daily

When food particles and bacteria become trapped in the nooks and crannies of the teeth, they can harden into a calculus that can be difficult to remove. The same process can occur in the crevices of the tonsils, leading to the formation of tonsil stones. By brushing and flossing regularly, you can remove food debris and bacteria before they have a chance to harden. You may also want to use a tongue scraper to help clean your tongue.

Drink Plenty of Water

Water flushes out the mouth and throat, keeping food particles and bacteria from becoming trapped in the tonsils. It also helps thin mucus, making it less likely to accumulate and form into stones. Aim to drink eight glasses of water per day or more if you can. You can also try sucking on ice chips or chewing sugar-free gum to keep your mouth moist. In addition, swishing water around your mouth after meals can help to remove food particles that can become trapped in your tonsils.

Preventive Dental Care

In some cases, tonsil stones result from an overgrowth of bacteria in the mouth. This can be due to poor dental hygiene or periodontal disease. Practicing good dental hygiene and getting regular dental checkups can help to prevent this from happening. Your dentist can remove plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth, which can also help to reduce the formation of tonsil stones. In addition, your dentist can monitor your mouth for any changes that may increase your risk of developing tonsil stones.

Visit our dental clinic for your preventive dental care. Our dentists are experienced in treating and preventing tonsil stones.

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Beaverton Oral Surgeons, 3925 SW 153rd Dr. Suite # 100, Beaverton, OR 97006; (503) 646-7101; beavertonoralsurgeons.com; 12/2/2024; Tags: Oral Surgery Beaverton;