Tonsil stones, also known as Tonsilloliths, are hard, yellowish, globs that can build up in the back of the throat. They develop when food particles combine with mucus and bacteria in the crypts of the tonsils. You may not even realise you have tonsilloliths, as they are often expelled naturally when you swallow or cough. But when the stones become large enough to be noticeable, they can cause discomfort or irritation. Here are some tips on how to remove tonsil stones using common home remedies.

You may be able to loosen small tonsilloliths simply by curling back your tongue so that it rubs against you tonsils. If that doesn't work for you, try raising your tongue to the roof of your mouth, tipping your head all the way back and swallowing.

One common method to remove stones is to press a finger or moistened cotton swab against the bottom of the tonsil and push upward to squeeze them out. The downside to doing this is that it can stimulate the gag reflex. To prevent this you could try first coating your tonsils with an anesthetic throat spray.

If you prefer a gentle way to loosen the stones gradually over time, try drinking several glasses of a carbonated, sugar-free drink such as soda water every day. Gargling daily with a vinegar and water solution is also recommended.

You may have a useful tool for removing tonsilloliths in your medicine cabinet. An ear curette, used for scraping wax from the ears, is a bit like a small, thin, long handled spoon. It can be used for dislodging stones from the crypts of the tonsils.

Pressurized water can be used to flush out tonsilloliths. Many people have had success using a Waterpik irrigator with a tongue attachment. If you try this, be sure to use the lowest pressure setting. Similar results can be achieved with a common kitchen implement. Just squirt water at your tonsils with a turkey baster.

It's possible to suck small stones out of the crypts if you can locate them precisely. Aim a medicine dropper at a stone and squeeze the bulb to draw the stone into the tube. Stones may become more visible if you first use the dropper to coat your tonsils with a salt-water solution.

If you experiment with other home remedies for removing tonsilloliths, use your common sense. Never put small, sharp objects into your mouth. A toothpick or needle could not only seriously harm your tonsils, it could become dangerously lodged in your throat. Do not attempt any method that could damage delicate tissues.

Knowing how to remove tonsil stones is helpful, but it's much better to stop them from occurring in the first place. Good oral hygiene is the key. Brush you teeth when you wake up in the morning and before you go to bed. Brush or scrape your tongue to clean away bacteria. Gargle with an antiseptic mouth wash or baking soda solution daily. If you're prone to tonsilloliths, you can also try to gently brush the surface of your tonsils with a soft toothbrush to loosen any that may be forming.