Tonsil Stones

[youvegottobekidding]

I think my dd (13 yrs) might have tonsil stones. She suspects herself as she says she has white 'spots/lumps' on her tonsil but no sore throat or enlarged tonsils for it to be tonsillitis. I've had a look and can see a few but I don't want to alarm her or make her obsess about them because she often can about things like this. Anyway as she was sat next to me last night I noticed her breath did smell which I know tonsil stones can do that (I didn't tell her that, I just reminded her to give her teeth a good brush before bed).

So as it looks likely that she has tonsil stones, what's the best way to get rid of them without sticking anything down her throat, thus leading her to attempt to start sticking things down her throat every 2 minutes? Would it better taking her to her GP & letting her explain how to remove them or what?

Anyone?

You should probably get her checked out by the GP but unless they are causing major problems, I would think that the best thing is probably to leave them alone. I get small ones from time to time , especially after having a cold, but they tend to dislodge by themselves fairly quickly. I know some people try to dislodge them but I would worry that I was going to accidentally hurt the back of my mouth/tonsils and trying to reach them makes me want to gag in any case. Gargling with salt water is meant to be worth trying as a home cure although I have never tried it myself.

I have them, although I am 46 and while I can now very happily pop them out of my throat, I appreciate this isn't something that you want a 12 year old doing.
I have mentioned them in passing to both doctors and dentists, but they are never really that interested. I think maybe getting her some mouth wash would help. If they have got to the point that they smell, they are probably pretty ready to be swilled out/off her tonsils.

Yep, talk to a doctor and see what they advise. Poking about back there doesn't sound wise.

DD had these and did obsess so I know where you’re coming from!
Google suggested to eat apples (amongst other, more yucky suggestions) so that’s what she did. Pretty sure she actually poked them out, but apples are a good start.

I find prevention better than cure for mine! Once I have one I tend to just have to wait for it to dislodge itself, they can get uncomfortable before then.

Drink lots of water.
Brush teeth 2-3 times a day.
Gargle with mouthwash.

Thank you, will encourage her to eat more apples & use mouth wash & book spot with gp, I haven't actually had chance to look to see if she has any recently & she hasn't complained to me that she's seen any lately so I wonder if they've come out?!

My 13 yo son gets them too, he often pops them out himself nowadays but GP recommended gargling with mouthwash which he does x they can be a bit smelly!