Another issue is poor oral hygiene. If you haven’t been often brushing, flossing and cleaning your mouth, it is “lead to an increased accumulation of bacteria and food particles in the mouth, which may live in the papule sarcophagi”, said Dr Gee.
Other factors, he added, include a decreased saliva production, repeated bouts of tonsilitis, allergies, sinus issues and frequent colds. They either slow down the removal of bacteria, cause inflammation that causes tonsils to become more infected, or cause post-nasal drip where mucus accumulates in the tonsils.
Even your diet may play a role. For instance, foods such as milk, cheese and yoghurt can contribute to the buildup of calcium-rich debris, which may calcify into stones, said Dr Gee. Sugary, sticky, or processed foods can “fuel bacterial growth” or “leave behind small particles that are prone to getting stuck in tonsillar crypts”
DO I NEED TO HAVE THE STONES REMOVED?
If the stones are bothering you a lot, nothing needs to be done, it depends on how much. Generally, “patients do not need treatment, unless they have bad breath or discomfort with chronic infection”, said Assoc Prof Ngo.
Even better news, tonsil stones can be dislodged by a doctor with a long, blunt-tip instrument. However, stones that are dislodged this way “very quickly reform”, he said. The only way to avoid reformation is surgery, according to the saying.
He rebuked self-removal because it can be challenging to do in front of a mirror and could result in bleeding from local trauma.