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How to Get Rid of Tonsil Stones

Tonsil stones can be painful, but they are manageable with proper care. Learn how to treat them and get the best tips for prevention.

ByJake Parks
Credit: G-Stock Studio/Shutterstock

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If you’ve ever experienced a scratchy tickle or tiny bump in the back of your throat that didn’t seem to go away, or maybe a mysterious case of bad breath despite regularly brushing your teeth, you might have had tonsil stones. These tiny, often unnoticed formations can pack a one-two punch of discomfort and embarrassment, yet many people don’t even realize they have them.

Tonsil stones, or tonsilloliths, are actually relatively common. And while they’re not usually harmful, they can cause irritation, pain, and tough-to-battle bad breath. But don’t worry — getting rid of tonsil stones is possible, and with the right tools and habits, you can keep them from coming back, too. So, let’s briefly discuss what tonsil stones are, what causes them, and most importantly, how to get rid of them for good.

Tonsil stones form when debris, such as food particles, saliva, dead cells, and bacteria, get ...

  • Jake Parks

    Jake Parks is a freelance science writer and editor for Discover Magazine, who covers everything from the mysteries of the cosmos to the latest in medical research.

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