Published on April 17, 2025
If you’re dealing with tonsil stones, you might think your dentist is the best person to remove them. Can dentists remove tonsil stones? Yes, dentists can remove tonsil stones, but they often don’t.
In many cases, home removal is the best first step, and for persistent cases, an ENT specialist might be a better option.
Before booking a dental appointment, here are three key things you need to know about professional tonsil stone removal and the best at-home alternatives.
1. Dentists Can Remove Tonsil Stones, But They Often Don’t
While some dentists can help, most don’t treat tonsil stones on a day-to-day basis. In many cases, they refer patients to an ENT (ear, nose, and throat specialist) instead.
In some cases, like if you have frequent tonsil stones, ongoing infections, or large tonsils, dentists might offer treatments to reduce stone formation.
Dr. Michelle Jorgensen explains:
“A dentist can help with tonsil stone removal by using methods such as laser or ozone gas to shrink the tonsils, which can decrease the size of the tonsillar crypts (the pockets where debris gets trapped and forms stones). Enlarged tonsils and tonsil stones may be related to chronic head and neck infections or sleep apnea, which can be evaluated by a dentist using a Cone Beam CT scan.”
For small, occasional tonsil stones, at-home removal is usually the best choice. But if your stones keep coming back or are linked to other health issues, a dentist may help explore longer-term solutions.
Why Don’t Dentists Usually Remove Tonsil Stones?
Dentists specialize in teeth, gums, and oral health, but tonsil stones form in the tonsils, which are part of the throat. Some dentists don’t have the tools to remove deep stones, while others may not offer this service at all, unless the stones are large and easily accessible.
When you visit a dentist for tonsil stones, here’s what might happen:
- They attempt manual removal using a dental pick, tongue depressor, or water syringe.
- They tell you to try home remedies like salt gargling first before considering a professional removal.
- They refer you to an ENT if the stones are deep, large, or causing severe discomfort.
When Will a Dentist Refer You to an ENT?
Dr. Michelle Jorgensen explains that if large tonsils are causing tonsil stones, some dentists can use laser or ozone therapy to make the tonsil crypts smaller and help prevent new stones. But if the stones are deep, painful, affect your breathing or keep coming back, an ENT specialist may be the better choice. ENTs have more advanced tools, including laser treatments and tonsil removal surgery (tonsillectomies) for extreme cases.
“ I have referred a patient to ENT. The patient had large stones and was having pain when swallowing.”
Do you want to know what happens when a dentist does remove tonsil stones? Read our guide: Do Dentists Remove Tonsil Stones? What to Expect at Your Next Appointment?
2. You Might Not Need a Dentist at All
If you have tonsil stones, you don’t always need to see a dentist or ENT. In many cases, you can safely remove them at home using the right tools, especially when they don’t dislodge on their own.
Should You Try Home Removal First?
Yes, most tonsil stones are small and harmless, so dentists often recommend trying home removal before scheduling an appointment.
Safe At-Home Removal Methods and What to Avoid
✅ Safe Methods
- Tonsil Stone Remover Kits: Dedicated tools help remove stones gently and effectively.
- Tonsil Stone Vacuum: Uses gentle suction to remove accessible stones. The Oravix tonsil stone vacuum also offers the option to flush out stones as well as using gentle suction.
- Tonsil Stone Water Flossers: Aimed at the tonsils, these can flush out hidden stones.
- Gargling with Salt Water: Helps loosen small stones and flush out debris. The salt Salt makes it harder for germs to grow.
🚫 Methods to Avoid
- Fingers or Cotton Swabs/Q-Tips: Can push stones deeper and irritate the tonsils.
- Sharp Objects/Bobby Pins: Risk of injury and infection.
- Strong Suction Methods (like electronic vacuum tools or high-powered water flossers): Can cause discomfort and may not remove deep stones.
Learn more about how to get rid of tonsil stones safely.
Which Oravix Tool is Right for You?
- For Deep Tonsil Crypts: The Oravix Tonsil Stone Remover Kit provides precision tools to easily dislodge and flush out stones.
- For Surface-Level Stones: The Oravix Tonsil Stone Vacuum offers a gentle, hands-free suction solution with a powerful flush option.
- For Complete Prevention: Using a tongue scraper (like the one included in the Oravix Tonsil Stone Remover Kit) and regular tonsil stone rinses can help keep tonsil stones from coming back.
Home vs. Dentist vs. ENT: Which One is Right for You?
The table below compares home removal, dentist treatments, and ENT procedures to help you decide the best option for your situation.
Comparison table: Dentist vs. ENT vs. Home Removal.
Home removal is often the easiest and most affordable option for tonsil stones. The Oravix Tonsil Stone Remover Kit and Oravix Vacuum provide safe, effective solutions for deep and surface-level stones.
Dentists can manually remove some stones but may refer you to an ENT for larger, recurring, or painful cases. ENTs offer advanced treatments like laser removal or tonsillectomy, but these are usually only needed for severe or chronic cases.
Bottom line: Most people don’t need a dentist for tonsil stones, you can remove them at home with the right tools.
3. When to See an ENT Specialist Instead of a Dentist
Most cases of bad breath caused by tonsil stones can be managed at home with good oral hygiene and the right tools.
However, you should consider seeing an ENT (ear, nose, and throat specialist) if you notice any of the following signs:
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Your bad breath doesn’t improve with regular care
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You experience bad breath along with pain or swelling
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You keep getting recurring tonsil stones
In these cases, an ENT can examine your tonsils for deep crypts (pockets that trap debris) and may recommend long-term solutions such as laser treatment (laser cryptolysis) or tonsil removal (tonsillectomy).
FAQs: Can dentists remove tonsil stones? Everything You Need to Know About Tonsil Stone Removal Before Booking Your Next Dentist Appointment
What tools do dentists use to remove tonsil stones?
Dentists may use a tongue depressor, dental pick, or water syringe for manual removal. However, deep or recurring stones often require an ENT specialist.
To know more about what to expect at your dentist appointment, consult our guide: Do Dentists Remove Tonsil Stones? What to Expect at Your Next Appointment?
Should I see a dentist or try home removal first?
In most cases, you don’t need to see a dentist and tonsil stones could be removed at home. For small, non-painful stones, at-home removal with a tonsil stone remover kit is usually enough. Dentists can help with surface-level stones, but deep or recurring cases often require an ENT.
How can I prevent tonsil stones after removal?
Prevent tonsil stones by maintaining good oral hygiene, using a tongue scraper, staying hydrated, and gargling with antibacterial mouthwash. Regular cleaning of the tonsils can stop stones from forming.
Final Thoughts: The Smartest Way to Handle Tonsil Stones
You don’t always need a dentist to remove tonsil stones. In most cases, at-home removal, like with the Oravix Tonsil Stone Remover Kit is the safest, easiest, and most effective option. It helps clear existing stones and prevents new ones from forming.
However, if your tonsil stones keep coming back, cause pain, or make it hard to swallow, an ENT specialist may be the best choice. They can offer advanced treatments like laser removal or a tonsillectomy if needed.
Ready to give it a try?
The Oravix Tonsil Stoner Remover Kit helps you get rid of tonsil stones at home and keep them from coming back.
This article offers general oral health info and isn’t a substitute for professional advice. Always consult your dentist or healthcare provider with any medical questions.
I’m a biomedical engineer turned content writer with over a decade of experience in the healthcare industry and a Master’s Degree in Biological Sciences. I’m passionate about transforming complex scientific research into accessible content to help readers make informed decisions about their health.
