Informational only. I do not provide medical advice. Content is for educational purposes. Always consult a doctor or ENT before attempting any removal or changing your health routine.

How I Remove Tonsil Stones at Home

What I actually do to remove tonsil stones at home, and what I tried that didn't work. Not medical advice; your situation may be different.

I used to think "how to get rid of tonsil stones" had one answer. It doesn't. Gargling didn't work. Salt water and mouthwash didn't get them out. Cotton swabs didn't work and made me bleed. Using my finger was gross and didn't help. The only thing that works for me is a curved-tip syringe (Monoject-style): aim at the general area, flush with gentle pressure, tip not touching the tonsil. Afterward I use salt water or mouthwash. If it doesn't come out after a few tries, I take a break and try again later. Below is the routine I use now, and what I tried that didn't work so you can skip it.

Identification

How to Find Hidden Tonsil Stones

Half the time I couldn't see the stone; I just felt it. If you're the same, the signs I learned to notice are:

  • • Feeling like something is stuck in the throat (globus sensation)
  • • Ear discomfort on one side (referred pain)
  • • Metallic or sulfur taste
  • • Bad breath that doesn't improve with brushing
  • • One side of the throat feeling slightly swollen

What doesn't work for removal

Gargling, Salt Water, and Mouthwash

I wanted an easy fix, something that would get rid of tonsil stones without touching back there. Here's what I tried: none of it actually removed stones for me.

Gargling and salt water

Gargling didn't work for me; not for getting stones out. I use salt waterafter flushing (see below) to soothe the area. For removal itself, it didn't do the job.

Mouthwash

Mouthwash never removed a stone for me; it masked the smell for a bit and dried my mouth out. I use an oxygenating (chlorine dioxide) rinseafter flushing for odor; the stones still have to come out with the syringe. More intools andprevention.

Natural and "dissolve" methods

I looked for "how to dissolve tonsil stones" and "get rid of them naturally" for a long time. Nothing I tried actually dissolved them. The only thing that works for me is flushing with a curved-tip syringe (Monoject-style); see below. Same goes for throat stones or tonsil rocks; see basics for the names.

What works for me

The Only Method That Works: Curved-Tip Syringe (Monoject)

Cotton swabs didn't work for me and made me bleed. Using my finger was gross and didn't help. The only thing that works is a curved-tip syringe (Monoject-style): aim at the general area, flush with gentle pressure, tip not touching the tonsil. Afterward I use salt water or mouthwash. If it doesn't come out after a few tries, I take a break and try again later.

Cotton swab and finger: I don't use them

Cotton swabs didn't get my stones out and made me bleed. Using my finger was gross and didn't help. I skip both and use the syringe only.

Curved-tip syringe (Monoject-style): what I use

I fill the syringe with warm water (or saline), point it at the general area of the crypt, and flush. I keep the tip from touching the tonsil; the stream does the work. After I'm done, I use salt water or mouthwash. If a stone doesn't come out after a few tries, I take a break and come back later. More inthe Flusher Method andtools.

Deep or hidden stones

When I can feel something stuck but can't see it, I still use the syringe: aim at the general area, tip not touching, and flush. Flexing my throat (like the start of a yawn or swallow) while flushing can help. That "flex and flush" is the core of the Flusher Method. If it doesn't come out after a few tries, I take a break.

Water flosser / Waterpik

Do I Use a Waterpik or Water Flosser?

No. I don't use a water flosser or Waterpik. Even on the lowest setting it hurts for me. The only thing I use is a curved-tip syringe (Monoject): aim at the general area, flush, tip not touching the tonsil. Salt water or mouthwash after; take a break if it doesn't come out after a few tries. Seethe Flusher Method andtools.

Stuck stones

When a Tonsil Stone Won't Come Out

If it doesn't come out after a few tries, I take a break. I don't poke harder with a swab; that just made me bleed. I come back later and use the syringe again: aim at the general area, tip not touching, flush. Sometimes it takes a few sessions. If it still won't come out or I get pain or bleeding, I stop and consider seeing an ENT.

  • • I take a break after a few tries and don't force it.
  • • A throat flex (yawn/swallow motion) while flushing helps me dislodge it sometimes.
  • • If anything hurts or bleeds, I stop and consider seeing a doctor.

Where to get tonsil stones removed when home isn't enough.

Gag reflex

Removing Tonsil Stones Without Gagging

My gag reflex is terrible. Two things actually help me: squeezing my left thumb in a fist (sounds weird but it does something for me), and breathing out slowly or humming while the syringe is in my mouth so I don't clamp down. I also don't tilt my head back; I look straight ahead or slightly down. Took practice; some days I still have to try again later.

Thumb / fist

I wrap my left thumb in my fist and squeeze. Doesn't work for everyone but it takes the edge off for me.

Breathing

Steady exhale or a hum while the tool is in; stops me from triggering the gag as hard.

After removal

What I Do After Removing a Tonsil Stone

Once the stone is out, that spot can feel raw. This is my routine right after flushing:

  • 1

    Gargle with warm salt water

    Soothes the spot and helps keep the crypt clean. I do this first, right after I'm done flushing.

  • 2

    Use salt water or a gentle mouthwash

    Either is fine. I use an alcohol-free or oxygenating rinse for odor; it also helps avoid dryness. If you already did salt water, you can skip or use one or the other.

  • 3

    Give the area a break

    I don't poke or flush that spot again for a while. I let the tissue settle and avoid sharp or aggressive cleaning for the rest of the day.

FAQ

Removal Questions People Ask

Can you remove tonsil stones yourself? At home?

I do. The only thing that works for me is a curved-tip syringe (Monoject-style): aim at the general area, flush, tip not touching. Salt or mouthwash after; take a break if it doesn't come out after a few tries. Whether it's right for you depends on your throat; a doctor can tell you.

Is it safe to remove tonsil stones at home?

For me, gentle and low-pressure is safe. Sharp stuff and high-pressure water are notI learned that the hard way. If you get pain, bleeding, or swelling, stop and see someone.

Do I have to remove tonsil stones?

No. I remove mine because of the smell and the stuck feeling. If yours don't bother you, you can leave them; small ones sometimes come out on their own. Your call (or your doctor's).

How often should I remove tonsil stones?

I do it when I feel one or notice the odor again, sometimes weekly, sometimes less. There's no rule. If you're doing it constantly and it's affecting your life, an ENT might have longer-term options.

What's the best way to get rid of tonsil stones?

For me, the only thing that works is a curved-tip syringe (Monoject-style): point at the general area, flush, tip not touching the tonsil. Salt water or mouthwash after; take a break if it doesn't come out after a few tries. See the Flusher Method andtools.