Removal of Tonsilloliths in 6 Easy Steps

Here are 6 easy steps to remove tonsilloliths:

1. Gargle with mouthwash or hydrogen peroxide: often times using mouthwash helps loosen tonsil stones enough to get rid of them.

2. Brushing your teeth with baking soda: this method is rarely discussed but I have seen it to be very effective as well. In fact the baking soda will often remove a stone before the person even realizes that it is present. This is very good especially when the stones are very small and haven't gotten to the point where they are big enough that they can be felt in the throat.

3. Use Q-tips or fingers: the use of a finger or Q-tip can be effective but many times people have a difficult time because of their gag reflex thus making it uncomfortable.

4. Pressing a finger or cotton swab against the bottom of the tonsil: This technique requires applying pressure by pressing up on the tonsil. The pressure often makes the stone come off but this can be uncomfortable due to the gag reflex.

5. Flexing of the throat: flexing the throat also adds pressure to the stone and helps in loosening them.

6. Using your tongue to loosen them: this is a good method to use if you have flexible tongue and helps if you have a problem with gagging. Once the stone loosens it is easy to spit out. However, this method can be much slower as tonsil stones tend to stick very well to the tonsil and back of the throat. This method is more effective if combined with Step 1 or Step 2 described above.