If tonsil stones plague you, you've probably tried all sorts of treatments to get rid of them, from traditional flossing to over-the-counter remedies. While tonsil stones are not considered dangerous, they can be extremely unpleasant, especially if they cause inflammation and affect sleep.
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Water flosser tonsil stone removal and other dental issues from the back of your throat are challenging. At Dr. Brite, we pride ourselves on offering safe solutions for your entire family. In this article, we'll examine the most effective ways to remove tonsil stones for good and how a water flosser plays a role in this process.
Water Flosser Tonsil Stones: What Are They?
Tonsils are the projections on either side of the throat that protect us from infection. They are part of our immune system; they swell up to trap germs when we have an infection. However, some people develop masses calledtonsilloliths or tonsil stones. Food particles or bacteria become lodged in the crypts around your tonsils, creating hard, white lumps that can cause discomfort.
Fortunately, there are things you can do about it. One thing you can do is visit the dentist for them to remove it for you. But, if you're looking for something more natural and affordable, then try using theDr. Brite Water Flosser which has been known to be effective at dislodging those pesky stones and comes with 3 types of tips to meet everyone’s flossing needs.
Those tips being removable makes them even more convenient as you can share the water flosser with a family member.
What Causes Tonsil Stones?
Tonsil stones are caused by an accumulation of minerals or food particles that form in the crevices around the tonsils. This accumulation can lead to chronic bad breath and sore throat.
Tonsils are on either side of the throat, just below the back part of our tongue. The tonsils have small pockets orcrypts, which trap food particles and bacteria. Normally, these pockets dissolve on their own after being exposed to enough stomach acid.
What Are the Symptoms of Tonsil Stones?
Some people have tonsil stones and don't even know it. Smaller tonsil stones are even harder to detect. The symptoms include:
- Unpleasant breath and taste in the mouth
- Difficulty swallowing
- Ear pain
- Unproductive cough
- Difficulty breathing
- Throat soreness
- Small patches of white on your tonsils
Treatments for Tonsil Stones
Often, the symptoms of tonsil stones will go away on their own. However, this can take months or even years. In addition to waiting, some over-the-counter treatments may help, such asgargling with salt water or using an oral rinse containing hydrogen peroxide. You can use a water flosser if you have difficulty reaching your back teeth.
If you're interested in purchasing one, we recommend looking for one that targets plaque and food debris from hard-to-reach areas around your mouth, throat, and tongue. That way, you'll be able to do more than clean out the cavity between your teeth.
And if you are wondering whether you can use water flosser if you have some dental work going on, the good news is that detoxifying and deep cleaning using a water flosser with your braces, dental bridgers or implants is easy.
How Can I Use A Water Flosser For Tonsil Stones Removal?
It is possible to use the water flossing method for removing tonsil stones. Try using the jet stream setting on the equipment and aim it toward your tonsils. It may take some time, but eventually, you candislodge the tonsil stone with this method.
- Fill the water tank of your water flosser with warm water and turn on the power button.
- After letting it run for about 30 seconds
- Insert the tip of your device into your mouth so that it touches the roof of your mouth and gum line, where you can feel these small objects in your throat or tonsils.
- Keep pressing the pressure settings or the trigger to release water until no more water pressure is left.
- Repeat this process at least twice per day.
- To reduce the risk of infection from bacteria, do not swallow the released water but spit it out after every session.
If you feel some other debris in your throat, move on to gargling salt water. Swish the salt water in your mouth before spitting it out, and repeat as needed.
Benefits of Using A Water Flosser For Tonsil Stone Removal
Though it's an effective tool for removing tonsil stones, some people hesitate to use one because they think it will push the stones back into their throats. It's not the case; water flossers come with several benefits, including:
Improving Gum Health
Water flossing and using the right toothpaste removes plaque and bacteria from teeth and gums, which helps reduce inflammation andhalitosis. It also removes food particles that may otherwise end up in your stomach and cause digestive problems. Using a water flosser before brushing helps remove debris from tooth surfaces so that your traditional or electric toothbrush does not have to work as hard.
Preventing Tonsil Stones
Using a water flosser can prevent tonsil stones from forming. It removes debris and bacteria that might otherwise linger in your mouth. It's important because tonsil stones result from irritants collected on your tonsils over time. By using a water flosser regularly, you are getting rid of these irritants, which means there's less chance of them building up and becoming tonsil stones.
Removing Plaque From Between Teeth
With proper technique, a jet of water can reach below the gum line to dislodge hardened areas of tartar or lose bits of food. The tartar will rinse away quickly when you brush afterward. Brushing after using the water flosser is even more important than normal because the device has loosened food from between your teeth. To get the best results, place your lips over the tip of the water flosser nozzle while using it.
Getting Rid Of Bad Breath
Rinsing out food particles on the tongue and under the g
If you are prone to feeling stressed or anxious, using um line reduces odor-causing bacteria and prevents halitosis. Additionally, adding mouthwash to your routine after using a water flosser will give you an extra boost in killing harmful oral microorganisms.
Relaxation and Stress Reduction
A water flosser can help you unwind. Remember to breathe deeply while running the water flosser in front of your teeth. You should also close your eyes at this time and try focusing on something else besides what is happening in the present moment.
FAQs
Are Tonsil Stones Harmful?
The answer is both yes and no. Tonsil stone sufferers complain of discomfort and pain in the throat, but it's not typically considered life-threatening unless large enough to obstruct breathing or swallowing.
How Can You Prevent Tonsil Stones?
Maintaining good oral hygiene habits is essential by brushing your teeth after every meal and flossing daily. In addition, gargling with salt water helps remove food particles from the throat, which may lead to tonsil stones. Use water flossers for more thorough cleaning of the back of your mouth, where there are many tiny crevices that regular brushing cannot reach.
Where Can I Buy Water Flossers?
Dr. Brite has great options, likethis cordless water flosser which is perfect for those who need to travel often.
Is a Water Flosser Painful?
Although water flossing might feel strange at first, it will soon become second nature as it offers gentle yet effective cleansing of your teeth and gums while removing bacteria and plaque buildup on soft tissue tooth surfaces. However, start with low pressure settings for your safety.
Can You Use a Water Flosser For Tonsil Stones?
Your water flosser could remove tonsil stones. However, it depends on the type of flosser and the size and shape of the stone. Contact us today if tonsil stones persist for advice on how you can remove tonsil stones. We have a full range of products to help you with mouth problems, including tongue swelling and bad breath.