The Rocky Road to Tonsil Stones

Lying in the very back of the throat are the tonsils, two gland-like structures believed to play a role in preventing and fighting infections. The tonsils function like nets, trapping viruses and bacteria that pass through your throat. But their nooks and crannies can also trap dead cells and mucous. Mixed with bacteria, this debris may become concentrated into white formations that then harden into tonsil stones.

Because tonsils shrink with age, tonsil stones tend to be more common in adolescents, whose tonsils are generally larger to support a growing immune system. Tonsil stones also occur more frequently in people who experience chronic tonsil inflammation or frequent bouts of tonsillitis.

Although tonsil stones are usually the size of a pea or smaller, their rich amount of bacteria almost guarantees that they will cause bad breath. If your child or teen has bad breath that doesn’t go away with brushing or mouthwash, he or she may well have tonsil stones.

Bring your child to the office. We can shine a light on the back of the throat to see if the tonsils are the source of the breath odor. Although many people try to remove tonsil stones at home, it is better to have them removed in our office.

If your child is prone to tonsil stones, it is important that he or she maintain good oral hygiene—that should prevent them from forming in the first place. In addition to the usual recommendations of flossing daily, brushing twice daily and seeing Dr. Jared regularly, we may also recommend that your child gargle frequently with salt water. This can help dislodge tonsil stones, along with any debris in the tonsils that have yet to harden into stones.

Discuss this condition with us or your child’s pediatrician. If you think your child may have tonsil stones, call KiDDS Dental and make an appointment. We can thoroughly assess your child’s oral health and discuss a plan of oral hygiene that will keep your child’s mouth looking and feeling great.

Click here to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jared. Or give us a call at (509)-891-7070.