10 Home Remedies For Tonsil Stones And Bad Breath

Are you avoiding social meetings or hanging out with friends just because of your breath stink? Bad breath can be not only due to oral hygiene but also tonsil stones.

Halitosis is the condition of having a bad breath. Some common causes of bad breath are-

• Poor dental hygiene
• Lack of saliva in the mouth
• Poor lifestyle choices such as smoking and alcohol 

Tonsil stones form when the food particles, bacteria and mucus gets trapped in the pockets of the tonsils. When you don’t maintain healthy oral hygiene,  the particles and bacteria can get trapped. This trapped debris is the hub of bacteria to infest. This can lead to infections and cause symptoms such as soreness, swelling, and even bad breath.

You won’t have to miss out on birthdays or social gatherings anymore if you follow these simple tips. 

10 Home Remedies For Curing Bad Breath Effectively

1. Saltwater gargling
   

   
   If any bacteria or virus is feeding on the tonsil stones, gargle with salt water to kill them. Moreover, tonsil stones cause scratches and soreness in the throat which can also subside after saltwater gargling. Also, gargling with saltwater also loosens and reduces the size of the tonsil stones as well as removes bad breath caused by tonsil stones. Evidently, gargling with salt water also helps to heal oral wounds.

2. Using irrigator in low pressure

   
   Water irrigators such as a water flosser can loosen the tonsil stones but you have to use them in low pressure so that you don’t accidentally damage the stones.

   Start by standing in front of the mirror and aim the irrigator towards the stones. Due to the pressure of the water flow, the stones can be freed and fall at the back of the throat. This is not a safe option for children as they can choke.

   (Also Read: Should I consider tonsillectomy for my kid? )

3. Consuming probiotics

   
   Probiotics are a rich source of live bacteria. So when you eat probiotics rich yogurt it coats the mouth with probiotics which reduces bad bacteria thriving in the mouth. This also improves your breath.

   You can consume probiotics either through food, supplements, yogurt and kefir.

4. Using essential oils

   
   Essential oils such as tea tree, thieves or lemongrass are rich in anti-inflammatory as well as antibacterial properties that can reduce or remove the tonsil stones completely.  It is not at all advisable to use essential oils directly. You need to first dilute it with a carrier oil such as coconut oil.

   Put this mixture on the toothbrush and brush the tonsils with them. You can also swish the tablespoon with the oil for 10 to 20 minutes. This also helps to keep off any gum diseases and cavities.

5. Eating garlic cloves

   
   Although garlic has a strong smell of its own, the cloves have the potential to kill the strongest bacteria. Several cloves of garlic can easily alleviate tonsil stones symptoms as this is rich in an antimicrobial agent- allicin.

   So, have at least one clove of garlic on a daily basis if you have tonsil stones. Just like garlic, onions are also rich in antibacterial agents.

6. Making better food choices

   Bacteria can thrive in a sweet treatment. So sugary foods are absolutely a big no-no. Say goodbye to fizzy drinks. Try incorporating particular fruits and vegetables such as apples and carrots in your daily diet.

   These keep the gums and teeth clean as well as the beta carotene in carrots can boost up oral hygiene.

7. Using good toothbrushes

   
   You can also remove a tonsil stone with the back of the toothbrush. With the non-bristle part of the toothbrush, gently free the tonsil stones from the throat. This also helps to remove the bacteria as well as prevent further stones from developing.

8. Using Apple cider vinegar

   
   Due to its acidic properties, apple cider vinegar works by breaking the stones into smaller pieces and finally rinsing them off completely. But first, remember to dilute with it water before gargling. Taking it raw can cause a burning sensation in the mouth and throat.

9. Using cotton swabs

   Use cotton swabs. But this only works if the stones are small and easy to locate. To soften the swabs, dip them in water and then stand in front of the mirror. Using the swab at the location of the stones and try to loosen them gently.

   Ultimately, this will remove the stones. After you have taken them out, rinse the mouth thoroughly to wash off any debris. Make a note that you don’t use this technique for large stones as this increases the risk of bleeding.

   Also Read: What to do when “Something Stuck in my Throat Remedy?

10. Using aromatic herbs and spices

    
    If you are having bad breath due to tonsil stones, then consume spices that have aromatic essence. This will help mask the breath odor. Some of the aromatic spices that you can eat after a meal to cleanse the palate are-

• Fennel seeds
• Cloves
• Cardamom
• Cinnamon
• Grated ginger
• Spearmint
• Peppermint
• Parsley
• Rosemary
• Thyme

10 Ways To Fight Bad Breath

Sometimes bad breath could be temporarily a problem also. When you drink or eat foods that contain garlic, onion or alcohol, you are more likely to have bad breath. Smoking is another way that can make the mouth dry leading to bad breath.

You can try a few easy solutions to treat the bad breath-

1. For people wearing dentures, remove them before going to bed so that there is no chance of any buildup of bacteria due to food and drink.
2. To freshen “morning breath”, drink lots of water as well as swish cool water inside the mouth.
3. Brush and floss twice a day, especially after every meal.
4. Use new toothbrushes every two or three months.
5. With a tongue scraper or spoon, scrape the tongue each morning to remove bacteria, fungi or dead cells that can cause a foul smell.
6. After having a meal, chew a handful of cloves, fennel seeds or aniseeds as these contain antiseptic properties that cause bad breath.
7. Chew a piece of lemon or orange rind for freshness in the mouth.
8. Try alcohol-free mouthwash to rinse the mouth for 30 seconds.
9. Chew minty flavored-gum temporarily to mask the bad breath.
10. Schedule appointments with the dentist to maintain oral hygiene.

Disclaimer- The last three remedies might not be safe for several patients. It is best to consult with the doctor first before undertaking the last three remedies.

Final words

Maintaining good oral hygiene can prevent tonsil stones easily. Hence, it is important that you brush and rinse thoroughly every day. But if you have the problem of developing tonsil stones several times, it is best to get rid of them permanently. Visit an E.N.T specialist to know more surgeries such as tonsillectomy. Bad breath due to tonsil stones troubling every day? Visit our doctors today!

Also Read: 10 Remedies to take care of Tonsillitis at Home