How to know if you're suffering from tonsil stones

One of the most apparent symptoms of strep throat - white bumps on tonsils - can actually be a different ailment: tonsil stones. If you have white bumps on the tonsils without the rest of the symptoms of strep throat, the uncomfortable bumps may be tonsil stones. Although these white or yellowish bumps that appear at the back of the throat may not cause pain, they should still be treated because they can cause bad breath.

There are several reasons that one might experience symptoms of tonsil stones, one of which is a person’s diet. Several foods - especially sugar -can cause these annoying bumps to act up. Bacteria loves to feast on sugar, so the more sweet snacks a person consumes, the more likely his or her breath will be less-than appetizing.

Other causes of tonsil stones include spicy food, wheat and barley. These foods cause more acid to build up in the stomach, and acid can cause food particles to be left on the tonsils and therefore cause tonsil stones.

If you have bad breath, a sore throat, difficulty swallowing or ear pain, you may have tonsil stones. Bad breath symptoms are a major indicator of tonsil stones. According to WebMD, 75 percent of people who had large amounts of sulfur compounds in their mouth also suffered from tonsil stones. Also, having a sore throat could be an indicator, but it is important to differentiate the pain from strep throat. If you have difficulty swallowing or swelling in the throat, this can be an immediate sign of tonsil stones.

Most tonsil stones don’t require any treatment, but in cases when they are very uncomfortable, surgical removal is an option. To keep this issue under control, using all-natural mouthwash can help kill bacteria and maintain a clean and healthy mouth.