That Putrid Smell Coming From Your Throat Could Be Tonsil Stones

That Putrid Smell Coming From Your Throat Could Be Tonsil Stones

Have you ever caught a whiff of your breath and been completely repulsed? We all have bad breath from time to time, but if your breath smells like death warmed over, you may have a condition called tonsil stones.

What Are Tonsil Stones?

Tonsil stones, also known as tonsilloliths or tonsil calculi, form when debris and bacteria get trapped in the crypts and crevices of your tonsils. This material hardens into foul-smelling calcified chunks that sit in the back of your throat.

The main symptoms of tonsil stones are bad breath that smells like something died in your mouth and throat, metallic taste, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and coughing or gagging when the stones become dislodged.

Why Do Tonsil Stones Smell So Bad?

The putrid stench emitted by tonsil stones comes from the sulfur compounds produced by the anaerobic bacteria and decaying food particles trapped inside the calcified masses. The sulfur compounds methyl mercaptan and hydrogen sulfide are major contributors to the rotten egg odor associated with tonsil stones.

These volatile sulfur compounds are the same chemicals that give fecal matter its horrifying smell. So you can see why people describe the stench of tonsil stones as smelling like poop.

Other Causes of Death Breath Odor

While tonsil stones are a common culprit for breath that smells like something crawled in your mouth and died, there are a few other possible causes including:

• Gingivitis or advanced periodontal disease
• Throat or lung infections
• Certain medications
• Metabolic conditions like diabetes and kidney failure
• Food stuck in areas that are hard to reach

Getting Rid of Rancid Tonsil Stones

If you're plagued by foul-smelling tonsil stones, you'll want to get rid of them and the symptoms they cause. Here are some effective at-home treatments:

Saltwater Gargling

One of the easiest ways to dislodge tonsil stones is gargling warm salt water. The salt helps loosen up mucus, making tonsil stones easier to cough up.

Stir 1/2 teaspoon of salt into an 8 ounce glass of warm water until completely dissolved. Take a mouthful of the solution and gargle for 30-60 seconds before spitting it out. Repeat 1-2 times per day.

Oral Irrigation

Using an oral irrigator is an efficient way to blast tonsil stones out of their hiding spots. The stream of water can penetrate deep into the tonsil's crevices and crypts.

Aim the tip of the irrigator directly at your tonsils from multiple angles to wash the stones out. Be sure to use the lowest pressure setting to avoid pain or injury.

Press Out with Q-tip

If you can spot a visible tonsil stone, try gently pressing it with a cotton swab or soft toothbrush handle to pop it out. Apply light pressure and roll the stone out of its pocket.

Be careful not to break the stone during removal as it will just return deeper into the folds of your tonsils. Removing tonsil stones is easier after gargling salt water to loosen them up.

When to Seek Medical Care

While home treatments are often effective for managing minor cases of tonsil stones, it's important to visit your doctor or dentist if you experience:

• Very large or unremovable tonsil stones
• Persistent bad breath or choking episodes
• Frequent swelling, redness or infection of your tonsils
• Difficulty swallowing foods and liquids
• Ear or jaw pain

In more severe cases of tonsil stones your physician may recommend tonsillectomy surgery to take out the tonsils if they are significantly impaired by calcified stones.

Preventing Tonsil Stones from Returning

Practicing good oral hygiene is key for stopping tonsil stones before they start. Brush teeth twice a day, floss thoroughly, and scrape the back of your tongue using a tongue scraper.

Eating crunchy fruits and vegetables like carrots, celery, apples can help loosen debris. Drinking plenty of water keeps mucus thin so tonsil crypts don't get clogged.

Avoid dairy products if you find they trigger more stones, as the proteins and fats may feed bacteria growth. Consider taking daily probiotic supplements to introduce good bacteria.

Staying on top of your oral care and eliminating risk factors will help mitigate tonsil stones returning once youve removed them.

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.