Most sufferers of severe bad breath or halitosis are also sufferers of tonsil stones, or tonsilloliths as they are medically referred to. These small white deposits form and become stuck on the tonsils and smell horrible. Often these cause bad breath for a person, leaving many with a need to get rid of tonsil stones so they can get rid of the discomfort and the bad breath forever.

A combination of things causes these to form in the tonsil crevasses at the rear of the mouth. It has been shown that dead white blood cells, food fragments, overactive salivary glands, and oral microorganisms can be a cause. They are white or whitish yellow small deposits that are typically smaller than a pea. If left alone, they can cause tonsil blisters. Coughing can sometimes dislodge them and force them out and laughing can do the same, many people swallow them without even realizing it.

Because the stones vary in sizes and shapes, many people don't even realize they have them. They may notice bad breath or even frequent sore throats but may not realize they are linked to the same thing. But when they are large, they are noticeable and they are very uncomfortable. However there are a variety of ways to remove them, some being more effective than other ways.

People choose a variety of ways in trying to get rid of them, like using their finger or toothbrush. This can be challenging, but not impossible. For those with a strong gag reflex a Q-tip also works. A water pik is one of the better methods, pressurized water to not only rinse the mouth and tonsils but in helping to dislodge and flush them out.

Warm salt water, that is gargled with frequently, helps with loosening the stones and in soothing the inflamed tonsils. Because of the smell of the breath, many reach for a mouthwash to gargle with. A special mouthwash is available that uses salt water combined with some natural aromatic extracts that will not only soothe the tonsils but will also freshen the breath.

Another method that some choose which has proven to be very effective is irrigation. This is when a fluid is introduced through the nose and the mouth at the same time. Fluid coming in through both areas sandwiches the infected area and attacks the tonsil stones from two different directions.

A dentist can help in battling tonsil stones by prescribing antibiotics to be taken over a course of time. Antibiotics will settle down inflamed tonsils and help in dislodging the stones much easier. If after all natural ways have been tried, the only other step in removing them is through a tonsillectomy. But this is only used when absolutely nothing else as has worked.

Tonsil stones are not only annoying and uncomfortable. They can cause horrible and embarrassing bad breath. That leaves many with no option other than searching for a way to get rid of them. Natural methods like mentioned should always be pursued before any drastic surgery is recommended.