Question 1

are antibiotics used for tonsil stones?

Accepted Answer

Not typically: Tonsil stones, or tonsilliths, are concretions of saliva, food debris, and often actinomycetes which are sulfur-producing organisms. These bacteria are not invasive, but do cause nuisance symptoms such as halitosis, and chronic throat irritation. Treatment is based on oral hygiene methods. Antibiotics have been tried, but do not yield sustained effects. The deep crypts only invite more stones.

Question 2

are tonsil stones a symptom of hiv?

Accepted Answer

No: They are simply debris that gets trapped in tonsil crypts.

Question 3

is there a natural way to get rid of tonsil stones?

Accepted Answer

Not completely: Tonsil stones are a misnomer for either food particles or bacterial colonies in the crypts (indentations) in the palatine (throat tonsils).  Using a q-tip can help but often results in bleeding and more pain.  If the tonsilloliths cause a bad odor that affects your quality of life, tonsillectomy will cure you.

Question 4

is there a cure for tonsil stones other than surgery?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes: Sometimes gargling with peroxide and salt water helps. Sometimes rinsing your mouth out and gargling after meals helps.

Question 5

where can i buy a water irrigator for my tonsil stones?

Accepted Answer

Store or online: You can find a water irrigator/water pick at the pharmacy or online. Good luck!

Question 6

what are other tonsil stones cure besides a tonsilectomy?

Accepted Answer

Tonsilloliths: Many people have success by using a water flosser. By using a water pik, you can knock them loose. If they persist, have it checked by your doctor to make sure that it isn't something more serious.

Question 7

could tonsil stones cause a chronic cough for over a year?

Accepted Answer

Tonsil stones: Tonsil stones are common.  The most frequent complaints from people with them are sore throat, scratchy throat, halitosis or bad breath and recurrent throat infections.  Although it is certainly possible to cause cough, your cough is probably not necessarily related.  Evaluation of a cough should include listening to the lungs with a stethoscope, chest x-ray, lung function tests and larynx exam.

Question 8

should i get a tonsillectomy to treat tonsilloliths (tonsil stones)?

Accepted Answer

Probably not: This problem usually doesn't bother people enough to go through a painful procedure.  Occassional oral antibiotics can get the problem to settle down.  If severe, I have been known to remove the tonsils, but likely do less than one tonsillectomy per year for this indication.

Question 9

hi why am i still getting tonsil stones even after having had a tonsillectomy years ago?

Accepted Answer

Tonsil stones s/p T: Sometimes not all the tissue was removed so stones develop in residual crypts. F/u with ENT

Question 10

how do i prevent myself from/stop getting tonsil stones? i have small ones almost every day and i push them out with a qtip.

Accepted Answer

Tonsillectomy: Only solution is to remove tonsils. Discuss this with an ENT doc.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Antibiotics for tonsil stones

A member asked:

Are antibiotics used for tonsil stones?

A member asked:

Are tonsil stones a symptom of hiv?

A member asked:

Is there a natural way to get rid of tonsil stones?

A member asked:

Is there a cure for tonsil stones other than surgery?

A member asked:

Where can i buy a water irrigator for my tonsil stones?

A member asked:

What are other tonsil stones cure besides a tonsilectomy?

A member asked:

Could tonsil stones cause a chronic cough for over a year?

A member asked:

Should i get a tonsillectomy to treat tonsilloliths (tonsil stones)?

A member asked:

Hi why am i still getting tonsil stones even after having had a tonsillectomy years ago?

A member asked:

How do i prevent myself from/stop getting tonsil stones? i have small ones almost every day and i push them out with a qtip.

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?