Tonsil stones are white gelled clumps that develop in the throat from bacterial buildup. They can cause bad breath and sore throats. If you’re wondering, can touncil stone worsen your tmj, the discomfort from larger tonsil stones, including a feeling of something stuck in the back of the throat and pain that feels like it is coming from the ears, may exacerbate jaw tension and TMJ symptoms.
Vigorous coughing can help dislodge tonsil stones. They can also be removed manually using a cotton swab.
Symptoms
Tonsil stones are white, yellow, or grey nodules that develop in the tonsils (the two oval-shaped lymph nodes hanging at the back of the throat). They can be symptomatic or asymptomatic, but they often result in a sore throat and bad breath. Some people find that their tonsil stones disappear on their own with no treatment.
Poor oral hygiene and dehydration are common causes of tonsil stones. This decreases saliva flow, which makes it easier for debris to build up in the mouth and throat. Some people also have naturally larger tonsils, which provide more nooks and crannies for bacteria to collect.
Practicing good oral hygiene by brushing teeth and flossing regularly can help reduce the likelihood of developing tonsil stones. Regular gargling with a salt solution (1 teaspoon of salt to 8 ounces of water) can also be helpful. Some people also report success with using an electric oral irrigator, but you should be careful not to use too much force, as this can damage the tonsils and lead to bleeding.
Treatment
Tonsil stones are not serious and often go away on their own. For those that don’t, there are many treatment options.
TMD treatments focus on eliminating the muscle spasms that cause the jaw to click, pop, grate or catch. These include physical therapy, self-care and dietary changes. Some people benefit from biofeedback (electronic devices that help you to learn to control your tight muscles) and relaxation techniques.
For those with a bad bite, or malocclusion, orthodontic treatment such as ClearCorrect and Invisalign may be able to resolve TMD symptoms by slowly aligning the teeth into the ideal position. Education and counseling can also help people to avoid behaviors that aggravate their TMD, such as clenching or grinding their teeth, biting their nails, leaning on their chin or chewing gum1. A very small number of individuals need to have a procedure called arthrocentesis, which involves inserting needles into the joint to flush out fluid and inflammatory debris.
Prevention
Tonsil stones are generally a minor health issue, and they do not cause any serious complications. However, there are a few things that can reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth and help prevent tonsil stones from developing.
Brushing and Flossing Dream Team: Use the toothbrush and dental floss twice a day to remove food debris that can contribute to tonsil stone formation. Brush your tongue as well, since bacteria love to hide in crevices. Stay Hydrated: Drink water throughout the day to keep your mouth moist, and help flush out bacteria. Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol: These irritants can dry your mouth, and encourage tonsil stone development.
A cotton swab can be used to dislodge tonsil stones, but be careful not to push too hard and injure your throat or ear canal. Your provider can also dislodge them during an office visit.
Misdiagnosis
The temporomandibular joint is a complex system that allows you to chew, speak, and perform various facial movements. Problems with this area cause stiffness, pain, and limited jaw movement. Unfortunately, this condition is sometimes misdiagnosed as sinusitis, headaches, or rheumatoid arthritis.
Trigeminal neuralgia, also known as tic douloureux, is another jaw and face disorder that can be misdiagnosed as TMJ. This condition causes a throbbing pain in the trigeminal nerve, which is one of the largest nerves in your head.
It’s not uncommon for people with TMJ to see several doctors and dentists before being properly diagnosed. This can lead to even more problems if the wrong treatment is prescribed. For example, I recently treated a woman from the DFW area who had been suffering from TMJ pain and dysfunction, along with facial muscle pain for years. She had seen 10-20 dentists, TMJ specialists, and chiropractors without success. Fortunately, after one session with me, her symptoms were 99% gone.