What are the recommended treatments for tonsil stones?

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Last updated: June 10, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Research

Tonsil stones can be effectively treated with coblation cryptolysis, a minimally invasive procedure that reduces the size of tonsil crypts and eliminates the formation of stones, as supported by the most recent and highest quality study 1.

Treatment Approaches

Tonsil stones can be managed through various approaches, including:

  • At-home remedies such as gargling with salt water, using a water flosser, and manually removing stones with a cotton swab
  • Antibacterial mouthwashes containing chlorhexidine to reduce bacterial growth
  • Maintaining good oral hygiene through brushing, flossing, and using alcohol-free mouthwash
  • Staying hydrated to flush bacteria from the mouth and throat

Medical Interventions

For severe or recurring cases, medical interventions may be necessary, including:

  • Tonsillectomy (surgical removal of tonsils)
  • Cryptolysis (reducing the size of tonsil crypts using lasers or radiofrequency ablation)

Coblation Cryptolysis

Coblation cryptolysis is a safe and effective alternative to tonsillectomy, with a high success rate and minimal complications, as demonstrated in a study of 28 patients who underwent the procedure 1.

Key Benefits

The key benefits of coblation cryptolysis include:

  • Minimally invasive procedure
  • Reduced post-operative pain and bleeding
  • Shorter recovery time
  • Convenience and cost advantage of an office procedure
  • High patient satisfaction rate

Recommendation

Based on the most recent and highest quality evidence, coblation cryptolysis is the recommended treatment for tonsil stones, offering a safe and effective solution for patients with severe or recurring cases 1.

References

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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