Hi, we are Drs. Lynn R. & Craig Blaisdell and we are cosmetic dentists with a full-service practice in Boise. Today in the Boise Blaisdell Family Dentistry blog we would like to address the subject of tonsil stones. The first thing that Nampa, Meridian, and Boise dental patients usually ask about tonsil stones is, “What in the world are tonsil stones?”
Before we answer that, let’s review what the tonsils are. Your tonsils sit in the back of your throat. They are gland-like and there is one tonsil located in each pocket on either side of the back of your throat. Tonsils are made of the infection-fighting tissue known as lymphocytes, but tonsils aren’t really that great at their job of germ killing.
Tonsils have many areas where dead cells, mucous, and bacteria can become trapped. If this debris accumulates and becomes concentrated, white formations can occur in the pockets. Once it hardens, it becomes a tonsil stone.
It is rare for these tonsil stones to become large and cause problems, but if they do, you may experience the following symptoms:
Bad breath
Sore throat
Difficulty swallowing
Ear pain
Swelling of tonsils
It’s important to discuss treatment with your Boise dentist or doctor. The only sure-fire way to avoid tonsil stones is to have the tonsils completely removed, but very few cases become this serious.
Thank you for visiting our dental blog. We are passionate about the oral health of our Boise area patients. We also want them to have the beautiful smiles that they desire, that’s why we love to discuss with them the many cosmetic dentistry procedures available, such as teeth whitening, veneers, invisible braces, dental bonding, and dental implants.
For general, pediatric, or cosmetic dentistry, call 208-639-0489 today to schedule an appointment with us!
Drs. Lynn R. & Craig Blaisdell
Blaisdell Family Dentistry
8877 W Hackamore Dr
Boise, Idaho
208-639-0489
https://www.blaisdellfamilydentistry.com/about-blaisdell-family-dentistry/
