Hello Doctor,
I have had a tonsil stone on the left side for more than 2.5 years. It doesn’t go away completely, and sometimes I feel discomfort or a bad taste in my mouth. I have tried gargling with salt water and using a cotton swab to remove it, but it keeps coming back. Is this something serious? Should I see a doctor, or is there a way to get rid of it permanently?
Hello,
Thank you for reaching out to Dr. Galen. Please find the below response to your query.
1. Tonsil stones occur when debris accumulates in the tonsil crypts and hardens. If they cause persistent bad breath or discomfort, removal options include saltwater gargles, oral hygiene, or a water flosser. If they keep recurring, a tonsillectomy may be considered as a permanent solution.
2. An ENT specialist can assess your condition and suggest alternatives like laser cryptolysis or coblation cryptolysis if surgery isn’t necessary. If your symptoms worsen, consulting a doctor is recommended.
Thanks
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