Can Mouthwash Help Fight Tonsil Stones (Tonsilloliths)?

The exact process of tonsil stone formation is not fully understood (ref): however, it’s believed they form from food debris, bacteria, and dead cells.

Given this, it’s not necessarily clear if mouthwash can be effective against tonsil stone formation. However, we can theorize that certain mouthwashes, by reducing the amount of bacteria in the mouth, could help reduce conditions favorable to their formation. Specific studies on this topic remain limited, but testing antibacterial mouthwashes might be helpful, while maintaining good oral hygiene. Additionally, monitoring eating habits and regular tonsil cleaning, if necessary, can also be considered to limit the phenomenon.

 

Studies on the Subject

There seem to be few studies examining the link between mouthwash and tonsil stone formation.

Here’s one of them: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9450570/

The results indicate that the mouthwash tested in the study (containing oxygenating and antimicrobial agents) prevents tonsil stone formation. However, there might be a “commercial” bias in the study: one of the authors is the technical manager of the company that markets the mouthwash + the product development team is thanked at the end of the study.

However, many studies have shown that certain mouthwashes help fight oral bacteria (some of which are responsible for bad breath).

 

Antibacterial Mouthwashes

Antibacterial mouthwashes are available over-the-counter and can be used for a short period to fight oral bacteria. Here are some points to keep in mind:

  • Chlorhexidine is one of the most studied active ingredients with proven effectiveness against bacteria (ref). However, “anti-bacterial” components kill all bacteria (“good” and “bad”) and can disrupt the microbial balance in the mouth (ref). This is why it’s generally not recommended to use an antibacterial mouthwash for more than a week or two.
  • Mouthwashes containing alcohol are not recommended. They can dry out the mouth and have been suspected of increasing the risk of oral cancer (ref).

 

Mouthwashes to Try to Dislodge Tonsil Stones

Generally safe, this type of mouthwash can be made at home and is supposed to help dislodge tonsil stones. Effectiveness varies quite a bit between individuals. Here’s an example of a homemade mouthwash: dilute one teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle with it. The warmth of the liquid is supposed to relax the crypts to help dislodge the stones, and the salt is meant to help mask bad breath.

 

How to Use Mouthwash Effectively

  • Gargle for about thirty seconds
  • Try to ensure the liquid comes in contact with the tonsils (without swallowing it of course)

 

Conclusion

Mouthwashes could be a potential solution for tonsil stones. However, it’s still preferable to maintain good oral hygiene in parallel. If problems persist, don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional who can suggest solutions more tailored to your case.