At the back of your throat, there are two pockets; one on the right side, and the other on the left. These pockets home Tonsils, which are gland-like in structure. If you open your mouth wide, in front of a mirror or any other reflecting surface, you will see these pockets. Though meant is to trap bacteria, virus or other harmful materials as they pass through the throat, people with their tonsils have reportedly not suffered more virus and bacteria infections than those with theirs intact.
Tonsil stones, medically known as tonsilloliths, occurs when bits of food, dead cells, bacteria produced under the tongue, mucus and other materials get lodged in the crater of tonsils, and on the roof of the mouth. The debris hardens into a yellow or a white formation. Another cause is the accumulation of calcium salts in tonsil pockets (calcification). The stones are experienced more frequently in adults than in children. They are also common to people with deep tonsil craters and those suffering from chronic inflammation.
Tonsil stones are a nuisance. They produce a foreign object sensation at the back of the throat which results to a difficulty or pain when swallowing foods and liquids. They also cause a severe bad breath (halitosis) with a metallic taste produced when highly sulfur- concentrated bacteria acts on the debris. A sore throat, pain and discomfort may be experienced in the areas they are lodged. Though they may be dislodged by the tip of the tongue when eating and during coughing, there are other methods that can be used to get rid of these tonsil stones.
Gargling is the easiest way of getting rid of tonsil stones. You can either gargle with slightly warm, salty water or a mouthwash. To gargle, dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. Gargle vigorously with your head titled back. Salty water helps to dislodge bits of food from the crater of tonsils and also helps to soothe any discomfort feeling. Gargling should be done every morning. You can also gargle with mouth wash, which is done immediately after a meal. Gargling with carbonated drinks can also help remove the tonsil stones. If you suffer from severe pain, you can use oxycodone or hydrocodone or any other pain medication to ease the pain (also you can read here aboutoxycodone and hydrocodne). The problem with oxycodone is that it can make your period arrive faster, which is not bad at all. In matter of fact, many women take it for their menstrual period.