Have you ever heard of tonsil stones? Your Cedar Rapids dentist thought it might be a good idea to shed some light on this often overlooked health issue. Let’s talk a little about what exactly it means to have tonsil stones and how you can help yourself at home should they occur.
What Do I Need to Know About Tonsil Stones?
If you have ever looked at your tonsils or the back of your throat in the mirror, then you know there are a lot of tiny spaces that could be a good place for harmful bacteria to call home. When they become trapped with other food debris, tonsil stones begin to form over time. It’s very common for them to develop while you’re feeling ill with so many common forms of virus or bacterial infections.
What You Can Do to Help Yourself
If you experience frequent tonsil stones or inflammation, it’s important that you make an appointment with your dentist in Cedar Rapids. We can work with you and your primary care provider to determine if a tonsillectomy or removal of your tonsils altogether would be beneficial. If that’s not possible, there are preventive steps you can take to keep your tonsil stones from returning, such as:
- Make sure to practice excellent dental hygiene at home with proper flossing and brushing — including your tongue!
- Try gargling with salt water if you feel discomfort or swelling due to tonsil stones. A quarter teaspoon of table salt in a cup of lukewarm water should do the trick.
- Be sure to keep your body hydrated. Every doctor in the world will tell you that getting plenty of water every day will keep you going. Water also helps with saliva flow and can improve the chemistry in your mouth.
- A short-term solution could be antibiotics, as they’re effective at lowering bacterial counts that play an essential role in developing tonsil stones.
Are you having trouble with tonsil stones? You can schedule an appointment at our dental office in Cedar Rapids to talk with you about your experience and goals. We can work with you and your primary care physician to help you get rid of tonsil issues and stay healthy. Please call us to get started!