Tonsilloliths, or also called tonsil stones, tonsillar debris, or calculi of the tonsils, are clusters of calcareous matters that build up in the tonsillar crypts of the palatin tonsils. They are white or yellowish and irregularly shaped bumps caused by the collection of food particles, mucous, dead white blood cells, sulfur producing bacteria, post nasal drip and other debris in the mouth. They are not dangerous, but can be an annoying nuisance. People having this problem feel an irritation in the back of their throat.
Tonsilloliths are usually confused with tonsillitis. Tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils that cause severe sore throat, swollen glands, pain, headache, ear pain and sometimes fever. They can be either a bacterial infection or a viral infection. An antibiotic can be taken to cure a tonsillitis caused by a bacterial infection. A viral infection, however, will take time to go away and will not receive any treatment.
Tonsilloliths irritate the throat and cause horrible bad breath. They are not a serious heath problem and can be treated in the comfort of your own home. But first, you must change your daily oral routine. Brush your teeth at least two times a day followed by scraping of your tongue. You can try to remove these nasty foul smelling chunks by using clean syringes or cotton swabs to force the bumps out. Also, gargle with salt and water solution. Another home remedy you can use is the Waterpik which is a curved tip syringe. You just need to be extra careful not to blast the stones so as not to damage the sensitive areas near your throat. Once the bumps are out, make sure you practice a good oral hygiene to prevent them from coming back.