To have my tonsils out because of tonsil stones

[Summerwood1]

I've been having loads of problems with these horrid tasting,smelling yellow tonsil stones. I've got quite big holes in my tonsils so tonsil stones gather. I've been to the hospital about getting them removed. They are happy to do it but I'm just not sure what to do. It's obviously not life and death,I'm just unsure to go ahead or not. Has anyone had any experience with tonsil stones or had tonsils out?

I had mine out at 46 for the same reason. Apart from a nasty sore throat for a week or so, I had no problems at all. My surgeon said having tonsils out was coming back into "fashion". He thought it was very definitely a good thing as they cause people so many problems.

How are you meant to remove tonsil stones? I can't see them to have a poke around but they loosen themselves and just turn up in my mouth every now and then. They're quite disgusting.

My tonsils were removed when I was about 7.

This was in the mid 1970s and it was routinely done if you went into the ENT clinic for anything, even if it was unconnected.

I was in to have fluid drained from my ears as they thought that was causing my hearing loss. (It wasn't, there was no fluid to find.)

While I was under they just whipped out tonsils and adenoids.

I don't think I've ever had tonsil stones, I'm probably lucky.

I had a sore throat for a few days but was back to normal quickly.

I get tonsil stones when I eat lots of carbs.
Is it worth cutting out bread and pasta for a bit to see if that helps?
I haven't eaten bread or much pasta for months now and haven't had a single one since I figured it out.
I went on a low carb diet to shift the last half stone of baby weight and when I started eating carbs again they came back!

I have a orange stick that I use to push them out, not the best of ideas really, sometimes they bleed. Tonsil stones are so foul smelling, frightened the life out of me when one suddenly appeared in my mouth when I was a child. OP, must be awful if you have constant ones.

I always thought it was mucus build up but that's interesting that it could be diet related.

Vulcan, it did seem to be mucus related for DH. We linked it with dairy in his diet. Maybe other things in people's diets increase mucus for them?

I'm having mine out later this year for the same reason. GP rolled her eyes but referred me when I asked. Consultant then took one look and said he would whip them out if I wanted! Can't bloody wait...

I had mine out when I was nearly 40 after years of having lots of bouts of Tonsillitus. I was also getting chest infections every few months which I no longer get.

I used to poke out tonsil stones with a wet cotton wool bud

You can get some lasering done to have the craters flattened out so tonsil stones don't occur, or occur less.

I'd be inclined to have the out and then if you still have problems you could have them lasered.

I've never had a tonsil stone, my tonsils must just have small holes. But they look painful and unpleasant. If you can avoid getting these in the future, I'd go for it.

They are awful - I haven't had one in years after I started gargling after tooth brushing, brushing my tongue as well as my teeth and flossing. I think gargling is the most effective thing.

I suffered from recurring tonsillitis as a child and tonsil stones as an adult. I was diagnosed with coeliac disease 3 years ago and haven't had a single tonsil stone since. I had no symptoms of coeliac, was just diagnosed as a result of blood test when donating blood.

ive have had a few stones,nothing excessive but havent had any for 18mths or so,why have they stopped

and how can you tell you have got them,i tried looking in a mirror but wasnt quite sure what i was doing

I feel your pain OP. I have huge tonsils, which are crater-like from recurring tonsillitis as a child/young adult.

I love wheat and dairy too much to give them up, so will try gargling after brushing for now.

I'm 34 with two young kids, so not sure I'd go as far as having surgery to have them removed. I am donating blood for the first time in a few weeks, so will be interesting if it throws up anything about coeliac or thyroid issues.

I had mine removed at 19. Awful week or so afterwards. I lost weight and throat razor sore [1980s though].
However glad I did get them out.
I remember in 6th form a huge white planet type thing popping onto my tongue and wondering what the hell it was- stinky horror of gunk....

Bumble, yes makes sense being dairy, I haven't had any regular milk for ages but still have butter and cheese you see plus white bread, can't seem to give the stuff up.

gargle with dilute 3% hydrogen peroxide, sticking your tongue out as far as you can and do a nasal flush daily with salt water

I've just googled tonsil stones and there's a whole You Tube load of lovely clips to watch of people removing them. That's my Sunday evening sorted.

I have no life!

I only learnt about tonsil stones since the t'internet, I can't watch the Youtube clips though but enjoy Littlecaf.

Is this one of those MN things I should never Google?

Because I want to.

My adult daughter had her tonsils removed ten days ago. Doctor wouldn't refer her (she had tonsillitis 6 times so far this year) so she had it done privately. She was in great pain when she woke from the operation and the first few days were pretty awful. Today she's recovered, 10lbs lighter and really pleased it was done. Back to work tomorrow.

I had mine out for tonsil stones. NHS. Go for it, tonsil stones are revolting.

I would do it, yes.

i have had them but didnt realise what they were till i joined here

i do use a mouthwash daily x2 now and thinking about it havent had any since i stepped that up

How do I get GP to refer DS, he is constantly getting problems with his tonsils and GP thinks he may just grow out of it.