Thursday, October 04, 2012


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Tonsil Stones: Treatments to Give Relief

By Kevin Benth


Tonsils serve a very important purpose in protecting our bodies from the bacteria and other micro invaders. Tonsil is that fleshy tissue that you usually see when you open your throat but according to doctors, it is not merely a tissue in your throat. It acts as a barrier that does not let the harmful bacteria and micro invaders pass through it and travel down to the gastrointestinal tract and other organs.

However, despite the significant function the tonsils perform they still are not efficient enough to protect the body. They are likely to catch various bacteria and viruses. These potential micro invaders will cause great amount of discomfort to you in the tonsil region with infection and swelling. Tonsilloliths that are the tonsil stones are also caused by these harmful microorganisms.

You will find hard and calcified formations in the folds or crevices of the throat region that are called tonsil stones. These hard calcified formations are not as harmful as they seem. Medical science says some formations are present in every individual to some degree, unless they have already been removed surgically. However, only a small populace will encounter problems due to the increasing size of the calcified tonsil stones.

Symptoms of tonsil stones: If you have the slightest doubt that you have tonsil stones then it is best to see a doctor. The below stated symptoms will help you identify their presence: Sensation of Pain and Difficulty in Swallowing Food. You may also encounter Foul or Bad Breath.

If the calcified formations have increased in size and are clutching to the tonsil walls then they will cause difficulty along with a sensation of pain in swallowing. There will be soreness in the tonsil tissues as well.

The tonsils that are extremely large i.e. 40 grams in weight and above should be removed through a surgery. The surgery is not a major surgery that will require long bed rest. In most of the cases, the individual will be up and moving around after these obstructing stones have been removed. People regularly with the use of small picks or swabs also remove the tonsil stones. This should only be done after a doctor's examination of your throat. Removing the tonsil stones with a pick is not harmful but picking your mouth that has a powerful and quick gag reflex can be very difficult. The gag reflex can be affected in this process since these hard formations are sticking to the throat opening.

Hence, with the possibility existing of you harming your gag reflex, it may not be a good idea to remove the painful tonsil stones with swabs and picks. It is always better to get it done by a good doctor. Doctors are well-acquainted with the necessary agents that can be employed to numb your gag reflex during the surgery. This knowledge saves you from considerable trouble in the process. It also ensures that your gag reflex remains unharmed. You get rid of the troublesome stones properly, without causing yourself damage by trying to get them off yourself.

Small sized stones do not cause any trouble in the tonsils at all. However, when the y begin to grow in size, they can be very painful. They also disrupt normal process like swallowing due to the accompanying pain. One great method to deal with this trouble at home is gargling. It is a very effective way to get rid of the stones. When gargling to battle the pain, use salted warm water.

The doctor's suggestion to use salt for gargles is due to the fact that salt is a natural antibiotic that helps slow down the bacterial activity. The discomfort that is caused due to these hard calcified formations can be dealt with the easy home gargle remedy and for those with a stellar daily oral hygiene record; this might be the ideal remedy




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