HELP what causes tonsil stones?

[user11121314]

Saw one today. Im mortified

Where have these come from? Has anyone else had tonsil stones before?

Why are you mortified?

They are build ups of debris that collect in the tonsil crypts.

You can help prevent them but gargling salt water or mouth wasb twice a day, flossing and interdental brushing and tongue scraping. General dental hygiene.

But if you have crypty tonsils you wont be able to prevent completely.

TMI but i regularly massage mine to prevent build up.

They're common! It's because stuff (food, mucus, bacteria) get caught in holes in your tonsils and make them.

Thanks @QuestionableMouse

@Rainbowsandrainclouds1 you massage them with your finger? Do you not gag?

Mine vanished once I started flossing my teeth every day.
I only did them 2/3 times a week before that. I haven’t had one now for a couple of years but suffered with them for a very long time before that.

They’re really common, you can get great little water ‘syringes’ on Amazon that basically spray water at the back of your throat and clean off build up.

Apparently gargling and brushing your tongue prevents them but I find I get them if I have a lot of milky drinks.

I used to get them a lot — I seemed to have especially crypty tonsils after a really bad bout of tonsillitis years ago. But I recently realised I haven’t had any in years.

I’ve changed nothing, apart from avoiding popcorn as it always seemed to get lodged. I do recommend that regardless of whether it’s the reason mine have stopped.

Can tonsils regenerate?

it's embarrassing because my dental hygiene is not bad at all (although I admit the only thing I don't do is floss.. ) which may actually be the problem...

If you have crypts, then unfortunately tonsil stones are a given. I find that eating dairy and sugary / starchy foods make them worse. Eating mainly lean protein, fruits and veg and cleaning teeth regularly (floss once a day and use mouthwash too) helps reduce their occurrence.

I always get them after a cold or bug.
I've got one big tonsil with crypts and one small tonsil that never gets them.
I had a waterpik but it was a bit overkill so I just poke about with a cotton bud if I feel there's one lurking.

2nd this, they're less than a tenner.

If you've got big tonsil craters then this helps you dislodge them.

gargle with salt water and a proper good gargle...stick your tongue out while you do. Also rinse your sinus/nasal passages out daily with a netti pot

I just push my finger into my tonsils when I shower to stop it happening.