The Link Between Wisdom Teeth and Tonsil Stones
Wisdom teeth and tonsil stones may seem completely unrelated. However, there is some evidence that wisdom teeth removal can contribute to the development of tonsil stones. Keep reading to learn more about the potential link between wisdom teeth extractions and tonsilith formation.
What are Tonsil Stones?
First, let's start with the basics. Tonsil stones, also known as tonsilloliths or tonsiliths, are accumulations of debris and calcified material that form in the crypts and crevices of the tonsils. This debris hardens over time, forming solid white or yellow foul-smelling chunks lodged in the tonsils.
The main substance that makes up tonsil stones is food particles, mucus, dead cells, and bacteria. Most people with tonsil stones dont even realize they have them until they either become dislodged or grow large enough to cause uncomfortable symptoms.
What Causes Tonsil Stones?
There are several potential causes and risk factors for developing tonsil stones:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Chronic inflammation or infection of the tonsils
- Enlarged or cryptic tonsils with more crevices for debris to become trapped
- Allergies or post-nasal drip leading to excess mucus in the throat
- Diets high in dairy products
However, even people with good oral hygiene and no apparent risk factors can still end up with tonsilloliths at some point.
How are Wisdom Teeth Related?
So then, how do wisdom teeth tie into tonsil stones? Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that erupt in the very back of the mouth during the late teens to early 20s. They are located all the way in the back corners of the upper and lower jaws.
When wisdom teeth come in they can cause some crowding and alignment issues with the other teeth. Many people also have wisdom teeth that are partially impacted or dont fully erupt through the gums. This can lead to pericoronitis, or inflammation and infection around the gum tissue surrounding the wisdom teeth.
For these reasons, its very common to have wisdom teeth surgically extracted to prevent long term dental problems. However, this extraction process appears to come with an increased risk of developing tonsil stones shortly after having the wisdom teeth removed.
How Wisdom Tooth Extractions May Lead to Tonsiliths
There are a few main ways that removing wisdom teeth seems to be related to the subsequent development of tonsilloliths:
1. Disruption of Oral Bacteria
Extracting wisdom teeth is an invasive process that causes considerable inflammation and bleeding in the mouth. After removal, there is an open socket in the gum tissue that takes weeks to completely heal.
This disruption of the normal oral environment allows bacteria to rapidly multiply and spread to other areas of the mouth and throat. Studies show bacterial populations and infections in the tonsils increase following wisdom tooth removal surgeries.
2. Changes in Diet and Oral Hygiene
In the days following wisdom teeth extractions, people are instructed to follow a very specific diet to allow proper healing. This typically involves a soft foods diet restricted to things like yogurt, milkshakes, smoothies, soups, applesauce, etc.
Eating more dairy products while oral hygiene practices slide due to pain and swelling seems to create the perfect storm for bacteria to flourish and tonsil stones to develop.
Many people also quit brushing their teeth normally in the area of the extraction sites. Slacking too much on oral hygiene allows debris, food, and bacteria to accumulate in other parts of the mouth and throat more readily.
3. Medications May Alter Oral and Throat Environments
Most patients are prescribed pain medications to manage discomfort after wisdom tooth removal. Opioid painkillers, in particular, are well-known for causing dry mouth and decreased saliva production.
Having less saliva allows more bacteria and particles to stick around in the throat rather than being swallowed or flushed away. The antimicrobial properties of saliva also help keep bacterial growth in check. But with less saliva this protective effect is reduced.
Other prescribed antibiotics, steroids, or mouth rinse products could also potentially shift the normal balance of microbes in the oral cavity and tonsils following wisdom tooth extractions.
Treatment Options for Tonsil Stones After Wisdom Tooth Removal
If you suddenly notice foul taste or breath, irritation, swelling, or white chunks in your throat after having your wisdom teeth out, you may very well have tonsil stones.
Here are some of the most effective at-home treatments to get rid of tonsilloliths:
Oral Hygiene:
Brush your teeth, tongue, roof of mouth, and gargle with antiseptic mouthwash at least twice a day. Be gentle around wisdom tooth extraction sites.
Saltwater Gargles and Irrigation:
Gargle warm salt water or use an oral irrigator to help dislodge stones and flush out debris from tonsil crypts.
Stay Hydrated:
Drink lots of water to keep thin secretions and promote good oral moisture.
Apply Warm Compresses:
Place a warm washcloth against the sides of the throat to encourage tonsil stones to dislodge and be coughed out.
If home care fails to clear up symptomatic tonsilloliths, see your dentist or doctor to discuss additional treatment options. In severe cases, surgical removal of the stones or tonsils may be warranted.
Preventing Tonsil Stones After Wisdom Tooth Surgery
While wisdom tooth extraction may increase susceptibility, there are preventive steps you can take to help avoid subsequent tonsilith development:
- Follow post-op care instructions diligently
- Gently brush teeth/gums and use medicated rinses daily
- Avoid dairy and soft, sticky foods as much as possible
- Drink lots of water to prevent drying out the mouth and throat
- Gargle and irrigate the throat to prevent debris buildup
- Dont smoke or vape while healing as this irritates tissue
Be vigilant with at-home tonsil stone removal methods. Being proactive keeps them from getting lodged in place and helps prevent chronic issues associated with retained tonsilloliths.
Let your oral surgeon know if you have a history with tonsil stones as preventive steps may be built into your pre-and post-op care protocol.
The Bottom Line
Wisdom teeth removal is associated with increased risk of developing tonsil stones or tonsilloliths. Extraction wounds, medication use, and diet changes alter the oral environment in ways that favor debris and bacterial accumulation in the tonsils. Follow dentist recommendations for optimal healing, oral care, and hydration after surgery. Employ at-home treatments at the first sign of tonsil stones to prevent secondary complications. With proper vigilance, wisdom teeth removal and tonsil stones dont have to go hand-in-hand.
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.
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