Metallic or bitter taste
→ From bacterial byproducts leaching into saliva.
Occasional coughing or gagging
→ Especially when stones shift or grow larger.
What’s NOT typical: Fever, severe pain, difficulty swallowing, or pus—these suggest tonsillitis or infection, not stones.
Dangerous Myths—And Why You Should Avoid “DIY Removal”
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Thanks to viral videos, people are now:
Poking tonsils with cotton swabs, bobby pins, or toothbrushes
Gargling hydrogen peroxide or apple cider vinegar
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Using water flossers on high pressure in the throat
Stop. These can cause serious harm, including:
Tonsil trauma or bleeding
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Pushing bacteria deeper (risking abscess)
Perforation of throat tissue
Chronic irritation that makes stones worse
Medical truth: You don’t need to “remove” every stone. Many dissolve on their own. And aggressive digging only inflames the tonsils—creating more crypts for future stones.
Safe, Science-Backed Ways to Manage Tonsil Stones
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1. Salt Water Gargles (2–3x/day)
Mix ½ tsp salt in warm water
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Gargle for 30 seconds—helps loosen debris and reduce bacteria
Gentle, effective, and free of side effects
2. Stay Hydrated
Dry mouth = more bacterial buildup
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