Published on: October 7, 2024
Tonsil stones, also known as tonsilloliths, are small, hard deposits of debris, bacteria, and dead cells that form in the crevices of your tonsils. They may cause you discomfort, bad breath, and difficulty swallowing.
Tonsil stones can be tricky to remove, but a water flosser offers a safe, gentle solution. Water flossers have been trusted for over 50 years and can offer a gentler way to remove tonsil stones compared to traditional methods such as cotton swabs, but there is limited research on their effectiveness [1]. They may improve oral hygiene and help prevent stones, but they might not work for large or deeply embedded stones. In these cases, seeing an ENT specialist is recommended for proper treatment, as suggested by Dr. Cespedes, a dentist of Edition Dental in Canada.
Once you’ve chosen the best water flosser for your needs—whether manual or electric— this guide will walk you through simple steps to remove and prevent tonsil stones effectively.
“ Water flossers benefit those with a gagging reflex because they are gentle and don’t trigger gagging most of the time. They are also easy to use for dislodging tonsil stones.”
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Use a Water Flosser for Tonsil Stones
How to Use a Manual Water Flosser
A manual water flosser (or oral irrigator) has the advantage of being a portable, quieter and easy-to-use solution that doesn’t require electricity or batteries. It also gives you full control over water flow as you manually adjust it. It’s a great option if you’re travelling, have anxiety or sensory issues, or prefer a simpler, more cost-effective device.
Here are the instructions for use based on the specially designed Oravix water flosser:
1. Fill the water flosser tank with lukewarm water.
2. Pump it 2-3 times until water begins to flow.
3. Use the water stream to rinse your tonsils.
Here’s the feedback from a user who tried the manual water flosser from Oravix in the US:
Source: Amazon user reviews. Amazon.com. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
How to Use an Electric Water Flosser
Compared to manual options, electric water flossers are more expensive, but provide more powerful cleaning with adjustable pressure settings and offer continuous water flow without any manual effort. Here are special tips and recommendations from Dr. Cespedes regarding the use of an electric water flosser:
- Start by filling the device with warm water.
- Set your flosser to the lowest setting and lean over the sink.
- Aim the flosser at your tonsil stone and let it run for about 20 seconds. If it doesn’t work, stop and wait a few minutes before trying again. Two or three times should dislodge the stone.
- If that doesn’t work, try gargling with salt water. Sometimes, that will dislodge a tonsil stone or at least soften it where you can use your water flosser again to dislodge it.
” Use a low-pressure setting to avoid discomfort, and activate the flosser to create a gentle stream of water aimed at the stones. It may take a few tries to dislodge them completely, so be patient. After each session, remember to spit out any debris or water instead of swallowing it.”
Essential Safety Tips for First-Time Water Flosser Users
- Start with the lowest pressure to avoid irritation or injury.
- Avoid directing the stream at sensitive areas for too long.
- Stop using the flosser and consult a specialist if you experience pain or bleeding.
- Use gentle, steady pressure for tonsil stone removal.
- Gradually increase the flosser’s settings if adjustable, starting from a low level.
- Ensure the tank is always filled with lukewarm water to prevent discomfort.
- Avoid rushing the process – move slowly to allow the water to flush out debris effectively.
- It’s best to spit out any debris. Swallowing a tonsil stone is safe, but can provoke coughing or gagging in rare cases.
How To Prevent Tonsil Stones with Regular Use of a Water Flosser
Using a water flosser regularly helps prevent tonsil stones by flushing out food, bacteria, and debris. The gentle water pressure reaches areas that brushing and rinsing can’t, keeping your tonsils clean and stopping stones from forming over time.
Here’s what Dr. Maria Knobel, Medical Director of Medical Cert UK told us about the use of a water flosser for tonsil stone prevention:
” Consistent use of a water flosser can prevent the formation of tonsil stones by effectively cleaning the tonsil crypts, where these stones typically develop. These crypts are small pockets in the tonsils that can trap food particles, dead cells, and bacteria. When using a water flosser, the pulsating stream of water can reach these areas, dislodging debris that might otherwise remain trapped. This action not only helps to remove potential irritants physically but also minimizes the conditions that favor bacterial growth. Regular flushing of these areas can reduce inflammation and irritation in the tonsils, which is often associated with tonsil stone formation. “
Additional Tips for Long-Term Tonsil Stone Prevention:
- Brush at least twice daily: Consistent brushing removes food and plaque that contribute to tonsil stones.
- Floss daily: Using a water flosser or string floss clears debris between teeth, preventing buildup in the mouth.
- Use mouthwash: Regular rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash reduces bacteria and lowers the risk of stone formation.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking water throughout the day helps flush out particles before they can settle in your tonsils.
- Get regular check-ups: Routine dental visits ensure a clean, healthy mouth, reducing the chance of recurring tonsil stones.
Ready to say goodbye to tonsil stones?
With a special nozzle, the Oravix water flosser easily removes tonsil stones and cleans hard-to-reach areas without the discomfort of traditional methods.
FAQs: How to Use a Water Flosser for Tonsil Stones
Can you use a water flosser to remove tonsil stones effectively?
According to Dr. Cespedes, the effectiveness of using a water flosser for tonsil stone removal depends on the size and hardness of the stone. Some are hard stones, embedded and challenging to remove. If you feel a tonsil stone is quite soft and is bothering you, you could make use of a water flosser to dislodge it.
How often should I use a water flosser for tonsil stones?
Dr. Cespedes said: “there isn’t a set time for using a water flosser to remove tonsil stones. A tonsil stone that is bothering you or that you feel isn’t falling out on its own should probably be dislodged with a water flosser.”
What are water flosser recommendations for sensitive tonsils?
Here are some tips from Dr. Cespedes for sensitive tonsils:
“ Use a throat spray first to relieve pain and prevent gagging. Keep your water flosser on the lowest setting and only try it two times. Gargle with salt water afterward to relieve irritation.”
What are other benefits of using water flossers, beyond tonsil stone removal?
Beyond tonsil stone removal, studies show that water flossers can reduce more plaque than string floss [2]. They improve gum health by reducing inflammation and bleeding [3], and are great for cleaning around braces, implants, and hard-to-reach areas. Using a water flosser also helps in reducing bad breath [4].
References
- Jolkovsky, D. L., & Lyle, D. M. (2015). Safety of a water flosser: a literature review. Compendium of continuing education in dentistry (Jamesburg, N.J. : 1995), 36(2), 146–149.
- Mohapatra, S., Rajpurohit, L., Mohandas, R., & Patil, S. (2023). Comparing the effectiveness of water flosser and dental floss in plaque reduction among adults: A systematic review. Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology, 27(6), 559–567. https://doi.org/10.4103/jisp.jisp_597_22
- Lyle, D. M., Qaqish, J. G., Goyal, C. R., & Schuller, R. (2020). Efficacy of the Use of a Water Flosser in Addition to an Electric Toothbrush on Clinical Signs of Inflammation: 4-Week Randomized Controlled Trial. Compendium of continuing education in dentistry (Jamesburg, N.J. : 1995), 41(3), 170–177.
- Xu, X., Zhou, Y., Liu, C., Zhao, L., Zhang, L., Li, H., Li, Y., & Cheng, X. (2023). Effects of water flossing on gingival inflammation and supragingival plaque microbiota: a 12-week randomized controlled trial. Clinical oral investigations, 27(8), 4567–4577. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-023-05081-4
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.
