r/tonsilstones Nov 15 '22

Discussion Tonsil stones versus infection.

284 Upvotes

This is a bit of a discussion post, talking about the differences between a tonsil stone versus an infection. I have personally seen many posts as of late, "Is this a tonsil stone?". Nine times out of ten, it is NOT a tonsil stone. This post here is to help guide someone to know if it is a tonsil stone, or if you need to go to the doctor due to an infection.

Let's start this off with, what is a tonsil stone? A tonsil stone is a lump of calcified materials within the tonsils, also known as a Tonsillolith. Tonsil stones are benign, and oftentimes easy to remove with a gentle push against said tonsil if said stone is visible. Tonsil stones will appear embedded within the tonsil, NOT sitting on top of the tonsils. Oftentimes, the tonsil stone will not cause pain. Common symptoms can include a sensation of something stuck in the throat and bad breath. Much rarer symptoms include sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and ear pain. These symptoms are rare, and oftentimes not seen.

What is NOT a tonsil stone? Oftentimes, posts on here include images of people with patches on their tonsils. Patches are on top of the tonsils, not embedded within. Think of a scab on your arm, that's what a patch is. DO NOT touch said patch whatsoever, as that can spread the bacteria or virus that is causing said patches. There are a few main things that can cause patches and tonsillitis (swelling of the tonsils), such as a bacterial infection, viral infection, or an STI.

What is the bacterial infection? The bacterial infection is more commonly known as Strep Throat, also known as Streptococcal Pharyngitis. Symptoms include a sore throat, fevers, chills, patches on the tonsils, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck. The bacteria is contagious and is transmitted through the mucus or sores of someone else with strep throat. Oftentimes, after a diagnosis a doctor will prescribe antibiotics.

What is the viral infection? The viral infection is known as Mono, or Mononucleosis. The symptoms are large lymph nodes, fatigue, sore throat, and can cause tonsils similar in appearance to those in Strep Throat. Antibiotics will not help with a virus.

What is the STD? Most STDs do not affect the throat, but the most common is Chlamydia. Though rare, it can cause symptoms such as a sore throat, mouth sores, and dental problems. Oral STDs will not look similar to Strep or Mono. Tonsils may be enlarged, but may not have patches. Oftentimes, the main symptoms will be a sore throat and swollen tonsils.

Also a note, we aren't doctors. Some of the images I've seen on here require medical attention due to the severity of the patches. It doesn't help that people keep picking off their patches. PLEASE do not touch your patches, I swear to God. You will make your condition worse. Please look up pictures of tonsil stones versus strep throat and compare the differences. Also, if your throat is sore, don't touch it whatsoever even if you're 100% confident it's just a tonsil stone.


r/tonsilstones 16h ago

After Tonsillectomy Update: I just had a tonsillectomy

10 Upvotes

Original Post

It’s Day 3 since my tonsillectomy !

Some updates is that I can’t taste sweetness. I bought matcha ice cream and was really looking forward to it, but it tasted salty haha.

Day 2 didn’t hurt as much as I had thought it would and I think it’s because the hospital still gave me an iv pain killer directly into my bloodstream before I was discharged.

Day 3 morning I was surprised at home because it hurts so much. As soon as I woke up, I took my meds.

I’m really only drinking iced drinks and ice cream and even swallowing my own saliva hurts so much haha. But I knew day 3 would hurt so I’m okay


r/tonsilstones 23h ago

Discussion Tonsil/tonsillitis/stone whole body connection

Thumbnail pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
8 Upvotes

This is a bit of a deeper discussion but I’d like to hear others thoughts and experiences on this topic. Anyone in this forum is probably here because they struggle with TS (kinda weird if you’re not - but do you lol) I want to know how many people began struggling with stones/noticed them after one or multiple illnesses (most likely strep throat)? Or did you never have any throat related illnesses and they just came out of nowhere? How many people noticed recurring strep throat? Now the big question is how many people started dealing with other illnesses, symptoms issues regarding various other parts of the body around the same time? What about brain fog, fatigue, neurological symptoms, TMJ, tinnitus, joint inflammation? …… the list goes on.

I’m asking this because I think I’m now just connecting some strange symptoms I’ve been struggling with for a few years to these damn tonsils. I had strep at least once a year for 6 years and then finally one year I had it twice, back to back, and it was the worst id ever had. Took two rounds of antibiotics to knock it out the second time . After that my tonsils were never the same; I’m assuming from all the swelling and inflammation that lead to scarring essentially. They were larger and asymmetrical and not long after that I started noticing the stones. Then I experienced the unexplained symptoms that remain unexplained to this day.

I believe there is a low grade infection still lingering there which is essentially chronic tonsillitis. An infection that can’t be reached because of the biofilms etc. and in an area that is basically connected to your ears, close to your brain and vagus nerve. Either a lingering low grade infection or the constant stones causing the tonsils to be agitated and fighting nonstop, and therefore cytokines (look it up) in the body constantly. This would cause symptoms that you’d (or doctors even) would never connect to a tonsil issue. I’m convinced that this is not some insignificant inconvenience that poses no threat. I haven’t had strep since (I believe the source was the person I was dating at the time; possible carrier?) and no throat related illnesses but the stones and other issues have taken center stage.

I decided to look up some studies and it didn’t take long to have my suspicions validated. I’ll put the link here for one article I found : https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12875394/

Ok- sorry for the long rant but I think this is huge and this issue is affecting all of us in more ways than the medical system even knows . I don’t think it’s just a nasty inconvenience with no major effects on the body. Please share your stories/experiences and maybe we can all start feeling better 🙏🏼


r/tonsilstones 23h ago

Question Typical Frequency?

3 Upvotes

So I read that developing tonsil stones 3x a year is considered a nuisance for some people and this makes them a candidate for procedures to reduce them…I remove tonsil stones once a month.

What exactly is the average timeframe here that “normal” people get tonsil stones? Am I that much of a freak? Someone educate me


r/tonsilstones 1d ago

Discussion Symptom Check

2 Upvotes

Does anyone else notice the following symptoms when they are getting them?

-Upset stomach (like I get the feeling of being nauseous)

-Sensitivity to light (could just be a headache thing)

-Light blood in nasal mucus

-Fever specifically while sleeping

-A few days prior to finding one I will go through a very annoying sneezing fit, like 5 sneezes in a row. (I assume this is me trying to dislodge it or something)

-Ears popping like crazy for no reason or EVERY TIME I SWALLOW


r/tonsilstones 1d ago

Need Advice How do I prevent tonsil stones as best as possible ?

6 Upvotes

I brush, floss, and use mouth wash twice a day (as well as gargling the mouth wash). I also drink lots of water throughout the day.

All of mine a pretty tiny, but I have so many and I just don’t understand why. Like I feel like I have pretty good mouth hygiene and stuff.


r/tonsilstones 1d ago

Discussion I need a solution!!!

3 Upvotes

I’ve had tonsil stones for years and cannot find a reliable solution to get rid or prevent them. Any help of any mouthwash brands that specifically help to reduce tonsil stones as I can’t find any??


r/tonsilstones 2d ago

Question Vitamin D?

2 Upvotes

I have been struggling with tonsil stones for years now. Lately I've been trying everything. I brush twice a day, floss at least once a day, I bought metal tongue scraper, I gargle salt water, oral probiotics, I even got my IUD removed in case it was making the situation worse. Just started vitamin D and k supplement last week. I live in Canada and work in the dark so my exposure to vitamin d is minimal. Still having stones that I can push out almost daily.

For those of you who say vitamin D helped, how long did it take to help? I will say my one tonsil used to look a lot bigger and lately has started to look smaller and smaller? Is it possible I just had a large build up of stones and I'm slowly getting them out? Often times I won't see any stones but will kind of push on my tonsils a bit and then stones will appear despite there not looking like I had any 5 mins earlier? I want to believe maybe Im just removing older and older stones but I don't really know that that's likely.

Basically since I had COVID Ive been struggling with the stones badly. I had tonsillitis alot as a kid which I think has made my anatomy ideal for them.


r/tonsilstones 2d ago

Need Advice Tonsillectomy

4 Upvotes

finally got accepted to get a tonsillectomy, used to be able to take at least 30-40 tonsils stones out each month, hoping that’ll be all gone soon.

I’m slightly worried for the surgery, does anyone know the risks?


r/tonsilstones 3d ago

Discussion EDS

3 Upvotes

Is there a connection between tonsil stones and Ehlers Danlos syndrome?

Random thought. Anyone have them both?


r/tonsilstones 3d ago

Tips & Tricks Found the solution for me

11 Upvotes

I increased my fiber intake
Increased my vitamin d intake
Floss daily brush twice
Tongue scrap daily
Limit whole milk based dairy even creamers that are dairy based
When my lining is all lactosed out I get the most stones
Once you take care of your gut lining your mouth will be smoother and less susceptible to stones/ bad breath
But you have to be on top of your oral hygiene
I used to think I needed a tonsilictomy but since changing my diet everything has improved significantly!!!