Since tonsil stones are not a serious health problem and are generally not harmful, your doctor will probably recommend preventive measures to clear them out periodically and reduce your symptoms. If they’re not bothering you, and you’re not noticing unpleasant symptoms, your doctor may advise you to leave them alone, Yip says.
Most people can manage tonsil stones at home. Some people prefer to push these objects out themselves using a cotton swab or their finger. If that poses a problem because it triggers your gag reflex, using a water flosser usually allows you to flush out the stones may be a better option.
Both Thatcher and Dr. Setlur recommend using a water flosser for tonsil stone removal because it’s effective and safe and doesn’t cause gagging. If you decide to use something else to dislodge the stones, do not use anything sharp (such as toothpicks or pins) to do so, Setlur says. Using these types of tools can cause injury to the tonsils or bleeding.
Medication Options
Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or an anti-inflammatory medication such as a corticosteroid for tonsil stone flares, only to help clear up an episode of stones. They are not suitable for long-term use, Dr. Kezirian says. “These medications can help decrease swelling and make the crypts less shallow.”
Surgery Options
Such surgical options to treat tonsil stones include:
- Tonsillectomy This surgery completely removes the tonsils, which means that the stones cannot grow back. While a tonsillectomy is the most effective way to prevent tonsil stones from forming, there are potentially serious risks to be aware of when considering this option. For one thing, a tonsillectomy requires general anesthesia, and it can involve pain that may last for weeks, says Thatcher. And, as with any surgery, there is a risk of bleeding and infection.
- Laser Tonsil Cryptolysis In this procedure, surgeons use a laser to get rid of tonsil crypts to prevent tonsil stones from forming. However, the procedure only helps temporarily. According to a study published in 2022, the procedure improved tonsil stones at three months, but they returned within a year. More evidence is necessary to support laser tonsil cryptolysis as a long-term remedy.
- Coblation Cryptolysis In this procedure, surgeons use radiofrequency energy and saline to remove tonsil crypts and crevices. Because surgeons are able to do this procedure at a lower temperature than with laser tonsil cryptolysis, there is lower risk of certain complications.
Learn More About Treatment for Tonsil Stones: Medication, Surgery Options, and More
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