If you’ve seen those little white balls in the back of your throat, you’re wondering how to remove a tonsil stone, especially if it appears to be stuck. Tonsil stones or tonsilliliths, its correct medical term, is a condition that is very common and tends to recur. Let’s first look at the reasons for this condition.

Tonsilitis is most likely caused by a combination of factors. Dead white blood cells, overactive salivary glands, oral bacteria, mucous secretions including postnasal drip, and food debris can combine to create the white balls known as tonsil stones. The environment at the back of the throat, and more specifically behind and between the tonsils, is perfect for tonsils to grow.

Tonsils are usually very small in size, about a couple of millimeters across, and are rarely large. However, once they are out the smell is quite unpleasant and disgusting. If you’ve had them for a while or just started with this problem don’t be alarmed, this is not a symptom of a dangerous condition. Although not cause for alarm, it is definitely a nuisance.

So now let’s see what you can do to remove a tonsil stone, especially if it’s hard to reach or stuck in your throat.

The first thing you should do is gargle with mouthwash or hydrogen peroxide. A second method to use is to brush your teeth with baking soda. Both of these methods will often loosen them and may even come out of your throat, so you’ll need to do more.

The next options you have to remove a tonsillar stone are the following:

Using Q-Tips or fingers to dislodge them – use either to scrape or pull out the tonsillitis, but this can be a bit uncomfortable if you are gagging
Another technique is to press a finger or cotton swab against the bottom of the tonsil and push up. The pressure acts to squeeze the stone. Again, the gag reflex can be uncomfortable.
Using your tongue to loosen and dislodge them: if you have a strong and flexible tongue this works well and prevents the gagging problem
Flexing the throat – flexing the throat adds pressure and can cause tonsillitis to come out

One thing to add is that I would not recommend using a sharp object such as a toothpick or pin as this can cause a cut or scratch which could lead to infection.

Always remember to use consistent and proper oral hygiene on a daily basis, such as brushing your teeth, tongue and palate well, gargling and flossing. Doing this will greatly help with this problem.