Home Remedies to Dissolve Tonsil Stones (2024)

There are various natural, at-home treatments for tonsilloliths (tonsil stones). Even without management, tonsil stones generally fall out on their own.

Tonsil stones form when bacteria collects in the tonsillar crypts (folds in the tonsils). They are more common in adults than children and may range from barely visible to pea-size.

If you find them bothersome, you can take steps to get rid of them. Removal methods generally include flushing and rinsing to encourage them to dislodge.

This article covers how to get rid of tonsil stones at home, plus daily dental hygiene tips to help prevent them from forming.

Tonsil Stone Removal at Home

Tonsil stones can range from barely noticeable to highly bothersome. Some people feel like something is stuck in their throat or they may have trouble swallowing. If a tonsil stone is bothering you, there are plenty of remedies to try.

Use a Waterpik

A Waterpik or water flosser is one easy way to remove tonsil stones at home. It may not work for tonsil stones that are very large or deeply embedded, but it may work to dislodge smaller stones.

To try, lean over the sink, aim the water flosser at the area, and spray. It may take a few attempts to loosen the debris. This is also an excellent method to prevent bacterial buildup if you experience recurrent tonsil stones.

Gargle With Salt Water

Gargling with salt water is another go-to method for removing tonsil stones at home. Mix 1 teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of warm water, then gargle and spit. This method creates friction in your throat, encouraging the tonsil stone to dislodge. You may have to repeat the process a few times or for several days before it works.

Gargle With Apple Cider Vinegar

You can also try gargling with apple cider vinegar (ACV). The acidity of ACV may work to break up the tonsil stone and encourage it to fall off. ACV has well-established antimicrobial properties. Since tonsil stones are bacterial collections, antimicrobial activities may be helpful in their treatment.

Use 1 tablespoon of ACV to 1 cup of warm water, gargle, and spit. It's OK if you accidentally swallow a tonsil stone; it won't harm you.

Use a Cotton Swab

Another option is to remove the tonsil stone manually. You can gently attempt to dislodge the stone using a cotton swab. Don't be forceful or aggressive; use a soft touch to move the stone out of place. Some people with a strong gag reflex may have difficulty with this option.

Massage Your Neck

Sometimes, massaging the tonsil area externally can encourage tonsil stones to dislodge. The technique for lymphatic massage may be helpful to follow for a massage of the tonsil area. Place your hand on your neck where you feel the tonsil stone and use gentle but firm strokes downward.

Try Coughing

Another technique for dislodging a stubborn stone is coughing. Coughing vibrates the throat area, where tonsil stones are embedded. This type of friction can sometimes be a successful tonsil stone remedy. Be careful not to cough too often or forcefully, as it can lead to throat irritation.

Why Aren’t My Tonsil Stones Dissolving?

Certain risk factors make some people more likely to develop tonsil stones. These include:

• Having inflamed tonsils or adenoids
• Being middle-aged
• Poor oral hygiene
• Smoking

About 3% of the time, tonsil stones are associated with kidney stones, gallstones, and Wharton's duct stones (stones that form in the salivary gland that empties into the mouth). Researchers believe this could indicate a tendency in some people to develop calcifications.

Tonsilar crypts enlarge after each infection, and tonsil stones may be linked to recurrent or chronic tonsillitis (tonsil infection).

Since tonsil stones are accumulated debris, you may want to avoid or limit certain foods that may be more likely to get stuck in little pockets in your throat, like popcorn and other things with shells (peas, chickpeas, legumes). Chewing slowly and thoroughly and rinsing or gargling after meals may also be a prevention strategy for recurring tonsil stones.

Treatment Through a Healthcare Provider

If your at-home efforts aren't working, see a healthcare provider for evaluation. A primary care provider, a dentist, or an otolaryngologist, also called an ENT (a doctor specializing in ear, nose, and throat disorders), may be able to help with in-office or surgical options.

Sometimes, when a tonsil stone is large, a healthcare provider can numb your throat and use a removal technique in the office. Other times, if recurrent tonsil stones significantly interfere with your life and are associated with large tonsil crypts, a healthcare provider may recommend a tonsillectomy (surgery to remove the tonsils).

Surgery is not a first-line treatment for tonsil stones, but sometimes surgeons perform tonsillectomy for that reason. One study found that social media use may influence people's awareness of tonsil stones and their subsequent request for tonsillectomy to resolve it.

Daily Dental Hygiene to Prevent Tonsil Stones

To prevent tonsil stones from forming, the following daily dental hygiene practices may help:

• Brush your teeth a minimum of twice a day and after meals.
• Brush your tongue every day.
• Floss to remove food from between teeth.
• Gargle with salt water after meals to prevent particle buildup.

Summary

There are various ways to release tonsil stones at home. The most common tonsil stone remedies involve using friction to dislodge them. Water flossers, gargling, and cotton swabs may be some choices that could work quickly. In cases where tonsil stones are very large or recurring, you may need to see a healthcare provider to resolve the issue.