How to use an oral irrigator for tonsil stones

Removing tonsil stones with an oral irrigator

Tonsil stones are small, whitish chunks most often caused by poor oral hygiene. In some cases, they can be the size of a pebble or even larger.

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Many people never experience any symptoms of tonsil stones. Others may feel like something hard is stuck in the back of their throat. Left untreated, tonsil stones can become a major problem. They can cause anything from minor discomfort to inflammation or bacterial infections in the tonsils. This can result in pressure or pain in the ears and throat.

Fortunately, tonsil stones are usually unpleasant and uncomfortable at worst. That said, they can be treated at home with an oral irrigator and some good oral hygiene habits.

How oral irrigators work

Sometimes called a water pick, oral irrigators work by sending a pressurized stream of cold or lukewarm water into the mouth, teeth, gums and back of the throat. They are designed to loosen and remove harmful bacteria, particles of food and even plaque to prevent cavities and other oral health problems.

An oral irrigator should be used in conjunction with regular brushing and flossing. For those who have difficulty using traditional string floss, an oral irrigator can be a useful alternative.

How to use an oral irrigator for tonsil stones

Using an oral irrigator to get rid of tonsil stones is simple and effective. All you need is a low-pressure irrigator and a bathroom sink.

In a well-lit room with a sink, aim the oral irrigator at the area where you feel the tonsil stones. It helps to lean forward over the sink so the stones can fall out rather than be swallowed.

Small tonsil stones are generally not harmful to swallow because of their size and ability to break down easily. However, it can be uncomfortable to swallow them. They also tend to leave a nasty taste, so try to spit them out whenever possible. Children especially should avoid swallowing larger stones because they can cause gagging or coughing.

With the oral irrigator in place, turn it on and try to loosen the stone. If the tool comes with adjustable pressure settings, start on a lower pressure and move it up gradually. Never apply more pressure than you’re comfortable with. When removing a child’s tonsil stones, keep the water setting on the lowest pressure possible to prevent accidental choking or discomfort.

Keep the water pressure going for 30 to 60 seconds or until the stone pops out. If there are multiple stones, repeat the process.

Oral irrigator features

While most oral irrigators work the same way, there are certain key features to consider when choosing one:

Portability

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Rechargeable

Cordless or corded

Waterproof

Size and weight

Water pressure settings

Best oral irrigators for tonsil stones

Whether you have tonsil stones or want to improve your oral hygiene, here are five of the best options for oral irrigators.

H2ofloss Cordless Water Dental Flosser: Available at Amazon This portable tool comes with several attachments, different pressure settings and a convenient travel pouch. Plus, it’s rechargeable and waterproof.

Mospro Portable Oral Irrigator: Available at Amazon Another cordless, rechargeable option, this water flosser has several pressure settings and is built for at-home use and travel. It also comes with a detachable tank to make cleaning easy.

Aquasonic Aqua Flosser: Available at Amazon Dentist recommended, this cordless tool is designed to be used anywhere. Not only is it rechargeable, but it also comes with a travel bag. Besides that, it has three main settings — normal, soft and pulse — making it a great addition to any oral routine.

Waterpik Sidekick Water Flosser: Available at Amazon Although this water flosser requires a cord to function, it makes up for it in power. It also has a variety of pressure settings and has been shown to remove 99.9% of plaque buildup.

Waterpik Water Flosser: Available at Amazon Another offering by Waterpik, this professional-grade tool is corded, compact and highly effective. Plus, it’s easy to use. It comes with essentials like three jet tips and other accessories to clean around braces, implants and more. It also has a high-volume reservoir that’s dishwasher safe.

Alternative ways to get rid of tonsil stones

If the oral irrigator isn’t working, there are other methods to get rid of tonsil stones.

Salt water

A simple at-home remedy to tonsil stones (and to soothe sore, scratchy throats) is warm salt water. Combine half a cup of warm water with a teaspoon of salt. Any type of salt will do, but iodized salt dissolves easier than ground or kosher options. Then gargle the salt water for up to 30 seconds before spitting it out. You may need to do this several times a day to loosen the stones. Another advantage of using salt water is that the salt can kill bacteria and germs.

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Apple cider vinegar

Combine 1 cup of warm water with 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Gargle it for around 15 seconds or so before spitting it out. This can be done several times a day to loosen stones. However, it should be done only if other at-home methods aren’t working. Vinegar has acetic acid in it, which can kill bad bacteria but also erodes the enamel on teeth. Over time, this can lead to cavities or serious decay.

Wait them out

Typically, tonsil stones only last a couple of days. Since tonsil stones aren’t typically dangerous, the best option may be to wait them out. Most of the time, they will come loose or even dissolve on their own. Keep up on your oral hygiene to help keep bacteria down and prevent them from getting worse.

Remove tonsils

If chronic, large or painful tonsil stones are a problem, consult a doctor on the possibility of removing your tonsils. This should be a last resort, however. Tonsils play an important role in catching viruses, bacteria and germs. They also produce antibodies that can prevent infections in the throat or lungs.

Preventative measures for tonsil stones

Creating and maintaining good oral hygiene habits is one of the best ways to prevent tonsil stones from forming in the first place. Here are some tips to improve your oral health when it comes to tonsil stones:

Brush twice a day daily using short strokes. Make sure to brush every surface of each tooth, including the ones in the back. Also brush your gums regularly.

Use a tongue scraper to remove bacteria on your tongue.

Use string floss, an oral irrigator or both to dislodge any small bits of food caught in between the teeth.

Gargle alcohol-free mouthwash each day to kill bad bacteria that leads to stones. Alcohol can kill germs, but it can also cause bad breath and allow bacteria to grow on your teeth and gums.

Use an oral irrigator regularly to remove debris and prevent bacteria buildup in the hollow areas (crypts) of the tonsils. Keeping the tonsils clean will reduce the chance of tonsil stones.

Gargle warm salt water once a day to help remove harmful bacteria.

Angela Watson is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.

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