Tonsil Stones After Wisdom Teeth Removal - Causes and Prevention

Understanding Tonsil Stones After Wisdom Teeth Removal

It's not uncommon to develop tonsil stones after getting your wisdom teeth removed. But what exactly causes these smelly globs to appear in the back of your throat? And what can you do to prevent them from coming back?

What Are Tonsil Stones?

Tonsil stones form when debris like food particles, bacteria, and dead cells get trapped in the crypts and crevices of your tonsils. Over time, this debris can calcify into hard white or yellow blobs.

These stones can range in size from a small speck to as large as a pea. And when they become dislodged from your tonsils, many people describe their odor as rotten, dead fish, or sulfur-like.

The Tonsil Stone and Wisdom Teeth Connection

There are a few reasons you may notice tonsil stones after having your wisdom teeth extracted:

• Inflammation from surgery - Any trauma or irritation to your throat and tonsils can increase your risk of developing stones.
• Changes in oral hygiene - Brushing and flossing may be difficult after surgery, allowing more bacteria and particles to accumulate.
• Food debris - Trouble swallowing and changes in diet following wisdom tooth removal can leave more debris behind.
• Medications - Antibiotics or pain medication may temporarily change the balance of bacteria and fungi in your mouth.

Who's at Risk for Developing Stones?

You may simply be more prone to tonsil stones if you have:

• Enlarged or cryptic tonsils - Deep grooves and pockets in your tonsils allow more debris and bacteria to become trapped.
• Allergies or chronic sinus issues - Excess mucus and post-nasal drip can promote stone formation.
• Poor oral hygiene - Not brushing and flossing daily enables biofilm and bacteria growth.
• Acid reflux - Stomach acid entering your throat irritates the soft tissues.

Steps to Prevent Tonsil Stones After Surgery

While you can't change the anatomy of your tonsils, improving your oral care routine after wisdom teeth removal may help reduce stench-causing tonsil stones. Try these preventive measures:

1. Gently brush your tongue

   Use a soft-bristled tongue scraper or brush each morning to remove bacteria, fungi and debris that can get trapped in tongue crevices and invite stone formation.

2. Floss thoroughly once per day

   Carefully floss along your gum line and between all teeth to dislodge food particles and plaque that could migrate to your tonsils.

3. Rinse your mouth after eating

   Swish vigorously with water or an alcohol-free mouthwash after meals and snacks to rinse away bits of stuck food around your gums, cheeks and tonsils.

4. Stay hydrated

   Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help thin out excess mucus and keep saliva flowing, which helps flush away bacteria.

5. Take oral probiotics

   Consider taking an oral probiotic with strains like S. salivarius K12 and M18 to help balance your oral microbiome and fight unhealthy bacteria growth.

What To Do if You Still Get Tonsil Stones

Even if you follow all the right preventive steps, some people just tend to be more prone to tonsil stones than others due to the anatomy of their tonsils.

If that sounds like you, don’t worry - you still have options for getting rid of them!

Remove Stones Gently at Home

Smaller tonsil stones can often be removed at home safely using sterile cotton swabs or a water irrigation device. Just be very gentle and take care not to injure the tender skin around your tonsils that could bleed or allow bacteria in.

See Your Dentist for a Professional Cleaning

For larger or more firmly lodged stones, your dentist can carefully remove them for you and flush out your tonsil crypts. They may also suggest more frequent cleanings or other preventive oral health steps.

Consider Tonsillectomy Surgery

If tonsil stones keep recurring and can’t be managed by other methods, removing your tonsils surgically may be an option. While tonsillectomy recovery can be uncomfortable, many find long term relief from recurrent throat irritations.

Discuss the pros and cons with your ear, nose and throat specialist to see if it's right for your situation.

When to Seek Medical Care

In most cases, even bothersome tonsil stones aren’t an emergency. But contact your doctor right away if you experience:

• Severe pain or bleeding from your tonsils
• Difficulty swallowing foods, drinks or saliva
• Swollen tonsils or lymph nodes
• Fever over 101°F

These signs could indicate an infection or abscess that requires professional care to improve quickly and prevent serious complications.

The Bottom Line

Developing smelly, annoying tonsil stones is common after wisdom teeth removal surgery. While you can’t eliminate all risk, improving oral hygiene and being cautious with at-home stone removal can help minimize recurrence.

If symptoms become severe or stones keep coming back, see your dentist or ENT for guidance on professional cleaning or surgical options to find longer term relief.

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.