Tonsil Stones: Symptoms, Treatment & How to Get Rid of Them

Are Tonsil Stones Contagious?

Tonsil stones, also known as tonsilloliths or tonsil calculi, are small collections of debris and bacteria that form in the crypts and crevices of the tonsils. They occur most commonly in people who have chronic inflammation in their tonsils or repeated bouts of tonsillitis.

Tonsil stones can range in size from a tiny speck to as large as a pea. They are usually white or yellowish in color. The main components are mucus, dead cells, food particles, and bacteria. The bacteria produce foul-smelling volatile sulfur compounds, which cause tonsil stones to have a very unpleasant odor.

But are tonsil stones contagious? Can you catch tonsil stones from someone else?

Are Tonsil Stones Themselves Contagious?

Tonsil stones themselves are not contagious. You cannot pass a tonsil stone from one person to another through casual contact, sharing drinks or utensils, or kissing.

However, some of the bacteria within the tonsil stones may be contagious. The sulfur-producing bacteria that populate tonsil stones may potentially be spread through saliva. So you cannot catch someone elses tonsil stone, but you could be exposed to bacteria that might lead to tonsil stones.

Which Bacteria Are Found in Tonsil Stones?

There are several types of anaerobic bacteria commonly found in tonsil stones:

• Actinomyces - a genus of gram-positive, anaerobic bacteria that is commonly found in the mouth, digestive tract, and vagina.
• Fusobacterium - anaerobic, gram-negative bacteria that produce volatile sulfur compounds.
• Porphyromonas - anaerobic bacteria that play a role in periodontal disease.
• Prevotella - gram-negative bacteria associated with respiratory tract and periodontal infections.
• Bacteroides - anaerobic bacteria that make up a significant part of the human oral and gut flora.

Some strains of these bacteria produce hydrogen sulfide gas, which causes the foul rotten egg odor associated with tonsil stones. These bacteria thrive in the anaerobic (oxygen-free) environment within tonsil crypts.

Can You Spread These Bacteria to Others?

The bacteria within tonsil stones can potentially spread to others under certain circumstances. Here are a few scenarios:

• Kissing or intimate contact - Saliva contains bacteria, so intimate forms of contact provide a means of transmission.
• Coughing or sneezing - Respiratory droplets may contain oral bacteria that could colonize others.
• Sharing drinks or utensils - Saliva on shared items may transmit bacteria.
• Poor hygiene habits - Inadequate hand washing or covering coughs/sneezes may spread bacteria.

However, simple casual contact or breathing the same air as someone with tonsil stones is very unlikely to transmit the bacteria.

Who Is Most at Risk of Infection?

Those who are most vulnerable to developing tonsil stone bacteria infections include:

• People with weakened immune systems
• Very young children
• Elderly individuals
• Anyone with a chronic illness
• Individuals who have had their tonsils removed
• People with poor oral hygiene

Healthy adults and older children with intact immune systems and good oral hygiene have a low risk of developing infections from tonsil stone bacteria exposure.

How to Prevent Tonsil Stones from Forming

While tonsil stone bacteria may potentially spread through saliva, the bacteria alone will not necessarily cause tonsil stones to form in someone else. Certain individuals seem predisposed to developing tonsil stones based on the structure of their tonsils.

Tonsil stones develop most often in people with:

• Enlarged or swollen tonsils with deep crevices
• Extra folds or flaps in their tonsils
• A history of chronic tonsillitis
• Recurrent bouts of strep throat infections

So you cannot always prevent tonsil stones simply by avoiding people with tonsil stones. However, practicing good oral hygiene and maintaining healthy tonsils may help reduce your risk.

Preventive Measures You Can Take

Suggested ways to avoid developing tonsil stones include:

• Brush teeth twice daily and use mouthwash to keep bacteria levels low.
• Floss regularly to clear debris from between teeth.
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and thin out mucus.
• Gargle with warm salt water to clear mucus and purulence.
• Stop smoking, which irritates the throat and tonsils.
• Control seasonal allergies and post-nasal drip.
• Treat chronic tonsil inflammation or recurrent tonsillitis.
• Consider tonsillectomy if you get frequent severe tonsil stones.

When to Seek Medical Treatment

You should see an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist if you experience any of the following:

• Tonsil stones that persist despite good oral hygiene
• Pain or difficulty swallowing due to large tonsil stones
• Frequent tonsillitis or streptococcal infections of the throat
• Enlarged or swollen tonsils obstructing breathing
• Bleeding from the tonsil crypts
• Foul mouth odor and bad taste that wont go away

A tonsillectomy may be recommended if stones are severe and recurrent. This surgical removal of the tonsils prevents tonsil crypts from forming and collecting debris.

How to Get Rid of Tonsil Stones

If you develop tonsil stones, there are several options for removing them and managing your symptoms:

Remove Stones Manually

Smaller stones can often be dislodged using a cotton swab or water irrigation device. Gargle with warm salt water first to loosen debris. Be very gentle, as forceful digging can damage the tonsils and cause bleeding.

Try Oral Rinses and Gargles

Specialty oral rinses contain ingredients like oxygenating compounds and guaifenesin to help break down and wash away tonsil stone material when gargled daily.

Improve Your Oral Care Routine

Meticulous brushing, flossing, and tongue scraping helps clear away bacterial biofilms that contribute to stone formation. An oral irrigator can flush out tonsil crypt debris.

Treat Underlying Conditions

If allergies, post-nasal drip, or chronic inflammation are contributing factors, treating those conditions may help reduce stone recurrence.

Consider Tonsil Removal

For severe, recurrent cases, tonsillectomy provides a permanent solution by eliminating the crypts that trap debris. Stones will not recur after tonsil removal.

When to Seek Medical Care for Tonsil Stones

You should make an appointment with your primary care doctor or ENT specialist if you experience:

• Difficulty swallowing, opening the mouth, or jaw pain
• Decreased ability to taste or loss of taste
• Ear pain without ear infection
• Frequent tonsil or throat infections
• Enlarged or swollen tonsils
• Tonsil stones that persist despite self-care measures

Self-treating tonsil stones with objects like cotton swabs or sharp tools may do more harm than good. Seek professional medical care to avoid damaging the tonsils.

When to Go to the Emergency Room

Go to the nearest emergency room if you experience:

• Severe pain or difficulty swallowing saliva
• Bleeding from the throat that doesn't stop
• Signs of airway obstruction or breathing problems
• Fever over 101F (38.3C) with sore throat

These could signal a tonsil abscess or other serious medical issue requiring urgent treatment.

The Bottom Line

Tonsil stones themselves are not contagious and cannot spread directly from person to person. But in some cases, the bacteria inside the stones could potentially transmit to others through respiratory droplets or saliva.

Practicing good oral hygiene and proper handwashing helps prevent bacterial transmission. However, some people are simply prone to tonsil stones because of the shape of their tonsil anatomy. There is no way to guarantee you will never get tonsil stones.

If you develop recurring tonsil stones, see an ENT specialist. They can advise you on the best treatment options, including tonsillectomy if needed, to manage your symptoms.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.