Are holes in tonsils normal? Tonsils are an important part of the oral cavity, it is common for white stuff to accumulate after sore throats. The accumulation may cause sores which can cause the tonsils to swell and become painful when swallowing. Find more about the causes of the holes, treatment on how to heal and get rid of them.
Tonsils stones also called tonsillitis are hard painful stones that develop in the tonsils. Tonsils are glands like structure in the back of the throat. They form an important part of the immune system. They contain lymphocytes that help trap microorganism causing infection. With this, tonsils are able to help fight and prevent infection.
Tonsils stones are common in people with chronic inflammation of the tonsils. Those with repeated bout of tonsils are also likely to get this kind of swelling. The lymphocytes contain in the tonsil contain nooks and crannies where bacteria and other material can get trapped. The accumulation of these materials forms debris that concentrate in the pockets of the tonsils.
Are Holes In Your Tonsils Normal?
It is common and normal for you to develop holes in tonsils. As the body is exposed to germs and other micro-organism causing bacteria, it is the function of the immune system to protect you from this. So yes, it is quite normal for you to have these hole. With a strong immune system the symptoms will clear up on their own without any medical attention required.
It is not common for mild cases of tonsils hole to show noticeable symptoms. However some people may have larger stones than others. Some of the common symptoms accompanied by tonsils stones and hole would include the following:
- Exceedingly bad breath also known as halitosis, this is in most cases accompanied by a tonsil infection
- Sore throats causing pain and discomfort
- White debris may be seen at the back of throat
- Swelling may become painful and difficult
- The tonsil may become inflamed and hard
- Some people have reported cases of ear pain as a result of tonsil swelling or infection
Pictures, Images and Photos of Holes in Tonsils
Stones and holes in tonsil will appear as shown in the images below. Remember, it may be hard to notice the holes, these can be dangerous given that as the holes go unnoticed, they become a breeding ground form bacterial and other microorganism causing infection. The food debris and particles accumulating in the tonsil can also cause bad breath. This can be embarrassing and detrimental to your general self-esteem.
Seek medical attention if you notice symptoms like sore throats, difficulties in breathing and a bad breath that won’t respond to toothpastes.
What Causes Holes in Tonsils?
Holes in tonsils is a direct attract to your own body health. As mentioned above, tonsil plays a fundamental role in protecting the body against infection causing microorganisms. The lymphocytes contained in the tonsil is responsible in trapping out infection causing microorganisms. When perforated or swollen, it becomes very hard for the tonsils to perform these fundamental duties. This will leave you prone to infection.
Holes on tonsils has been found to be common among people with tonsillitis. Tonsillitis is the accumulation of debris and bacteria around the tonsils. The common causes include the following:
1. Strep throats causing holes in tonsils
Strep throats is a possible cause of tonsil holes. It’s caused by a bacterial infection of the throat. It is otherwise a sore throat with fever caused by streptococcal infection. The bacteria causes the inflammation and swelling of the tonsils as they try to fight and prevent the bacteria from infecting the body.
Mild cases of strep infection can be treated with oral antibiotic. Salty water gargle can also help to relieve the itching and swelling in the tonsils and throat. Seek medical attention when the symptoms become severe or unbearable.
2. Tonsils holes caused by mono
Mono refers to group of symptoms usually caused by Epstein—Barr virus (EBV) It is an infectious mononucleosis and has been found to cause painful sore throats. Symptoms of mono resembles those of cold. To resolve mild cases of mono, gargle with warm salty water.
3. Oral cancer causing tonsils holes and stones
Oral cancer has been found to cause swelling on throats, tonsils and along the mucous membrane lining the mouth. Early diagnosis and treatment of the cancer will prevent the malignant cells from spreading to other parts of the mouth and gums.
Squamous cell carcinomas is the common cause of the tonsil cancer. It arises in the tissues lining of the mouth. Tonsils holes can also be caused by lymphoma which is a type of immune system cancer. Smoking is the most risk factor for this type of cancer.
Treatment will include surgery, chemotherapy where strong chemical drugs are administered to kill the cancerous cells and radiation therapy that uses high energy ultra-violate rays.
4. Excessive smoking and use of tobacco products
Excessive smoking and use of tobacco products Is the common risk factor for tonsil holes. Smoking damages the mouth mucous lining and can cause overgrowth of bacterial and other microorganism causing infection.
5. Holes on tonsils and allergy
Another possible cause of tonsils holes is drug and food allergy. The allergy will cause the inflammation, swelling and irritation of the tonsils. To manage the symptoms, discontinue the use of the allergen and seek medical attention.
This kind of allergic reaction are common in people with HIV/AIDS, diabetes and cancer. People with weak immune system will experience severe symptoms of the allergic reaction.
6. Hole in tonsils and weak immune system
Tonsils plays a very important part in filtering bacteria and other microorganism causing infection. People with weak immune system will often have their tonsil swollen and inflamed.
Those with hyper active immune system- auto immune condition will also have these kind of symptom as their immune system produces histamine and antibodies that start attacking healthy body tissues and cells. Immune suppressive can help remedy these condition
7. Holes in tonsils after Sore throats
Sore throats is another common cause of tonsil crypts. It is caused by streptococcal groups of bacteria. It is characterized by pain, inflammation and swelling of the throat lining. Sore throats can also be caused by cold and virus.
Mild symptoms can be managed and treated at home using salty water gargle. Honey, aloe Vera, chamomile tea and pepper mint can all help relieve the sore throats.
Other causes
Other possible causes will include environmental factor such as dust and Gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Holes in Tonsils and Sore Throat
Sore throats can cause irritation, pain and itching, this can make it hard to swallow especially for children’s. For severe cases of fever, rash, joint pain and difficulty in breathing then you need to seek medical attention. Both tonsils holes and sore throats are caused by a bacterial and viral infection.
Unlike the holes, sore throats are common and the symptoms will pass on their own with no medical attention. The most visible symptoms of sore throats and tonsils holes are pain when swallowing, mild cases of earaches, high fever, coughing and headaches.
When the symptoms last longer than a week or become more severe please seek medical attention. Otherwise sore throats is not a serious medical condition.
Holes in Tonsils after Strep Throat
Strep throats is a bacterial infection caused by streptococcal group of bacteria. Depending on the type of the bacteria causing the infection, the symptoms and severity will vary. The symptoms will range from mild to severe life threatening. Mild cases of the infection can be managed and treated at home.
Antibiotics is the common used treatment option for streptococcal infection. Strep throats can contribute to the formation of crypts in the tonsils, this holes can accumulate food debris, dead cells and bacteria to form lumps off painful tonsils stones.
As the tonsils drain microorganism causing infection, they become hard and swollen. The accumulations may be seen as white debris at the back of the throat. As the bacteria continues to grow, it may cause your mouth to produce a foul smell. This can be discomforting and embarrassing. To prevent this, you can gargle your mouth with salty water.
Mild toothpaste can also be used to reduce the debris accumulation in our mouth and around the tonsils. Use moderate force to avoid hurting the tonsils even more and worsen the condition.
Deep Holes in Tonsils with White Chunks, Stuff or Pus
It is normal for Deep tonsils holes to become painful and discomforting. As food debris begin to accumulate, the saliva and the moist environment inside mouth becomes a good breeding ground for the breeding of the bacteria.
For some people the holes may become infected and clog with pus. This causes difficulties in swallowing. Severe cases of tonsils infection may result in high fever and complications inn breathing. The white chunks and stuff that pack at the back of the tonsils may also cause your moth to produce a foul smell.
Salty water gargle or aloe Vera rinse can help relieve the itching, pain and inflammation accompanied by the deep holes on tonsils.
Holes in back of throat near tonsils
What cause holes at the back of the throat? Tonsils hole also known as tonsil crypts are small packets on tonsils that trap food particles, dead cells and bacteria to form white colored bumps called tonsils stones or tonsillolith. The stones are in most cases mild thus do not call for any need to remove them through surgery.
To prevent and treat holes in back of throat near tonsils you need to:
- Regularly brush you teeth to reduce the accumulation of food particles and debris
- Gargle your mouth at least twice in a day
- Avoid eating whole going to bed or when in bed
- Cut down on dairy products consumption especially for kids as these products encourage buildup of mucous and calcium on tonsils
- Reduce use and intake of caffeine
Small Holes on Tonsils that Collect Food
The small hole on tonsil that collect food are known as crypts. The holes form when the tonsil become inflamed when protecting the body against microorganisms causing infections. As mentioned above,, the tonsils are an important part of the immune system ad serve a great deal in filtering germs and other microorganisms causing infection.
The holes may collect food particles and bacteria, it is though this product that most people with sore throat will seem to have bad breath. Brush your mouth regularly and gargle with water.
Visible Holes In Tonsils No Pain, Bleeding
Mild cases of tonsils holes are no easily visible, however, as the food debris continue to pack up, the crypts become easily visible. For some people the holes may become painful or bleed whereas other people may not experience the pain or the bleeding.
Can Holes In Tonsils Heal? – Treatment
Antibiotics
Mild cases of tonsils infection can be managed using antibiotics. Even though mild cases of tonsils holes and stones will go away on their own, antibiotics can be used to prevent complications. An example of this complication is rheumatic fever that result from an untreated strep throat.
Surgical removal
A medical surgery known as tonsillectomy can be used to remove inflated and infected tonsils. After the procedure it is not common for you to have sore throats. Surgery should be the last resort f treating holes in tonsils, this is because of the function the tonsils perform inn protecting our body against infections.
Anti-inflammatory
For swollen or inflamed tonsils, your doctor may prescribe oral anti-inflammatory. This will help relieve the tonsils of the inflammation, itching and swelling. Anti-inflammatories are also good for dry and inflamed throat.
Curettage
A part from surgery, a curette can also be used to remove tonsils stone. This involves removing the tissue by scrapping it off.
How to Get Rid of Holes in Tonsils – Home Remedies
The following are some of the home remedies and tips to help get rid of holes in tonsils.
a) Brush your mouth regularly
The most common and fundament thing you need to do is keep your mouth clean. Maintaining high level of oral hygiene is the starting point of making sure your mouth is free of germs, bacteria and other pathogens that might cause infection.
It is recommended that you brush your mouth always after meals. Use soft toothbrush to gently brush the teeth without damaging the gums and mouth lining.
b) Scrap the tongue
Scraping the tongue with a scraper will help keep the mouth clean and free of bacteria and other microorganism that might accumulate and cause infection in the mouth, tonsils throat. It also helps keep the mouth fresh and avoid bad breath.
c) Salty water gargle
A warm water salty gargle has been found t be an effective remedy for sore throats. It is also good for killing bacteria and other microorganism that accumulate in the tonsils stones. The salty solution can also help reduce the swelling and keep the tonsils area and the mouth clean and free from bacteria.
d) Baking soda gargle
A mixture of baking soda, salt and water can be an even stronger remedy for tonsils holes and sore throats. The solution can kill bacteria and prevent yeast and fungi growth. The national cancer Institute recommends gargling and swishing this combination twice or thrice a day for optimal result.
e) Chamomile tea
Chamomile tea is a good natural soothing agent. It contains anti-inflammatories, antioxidants and astringent that makes it a good natural remedy for sore throats. Studies have shown that inhaling chamomile steam can help relieve the symptoms of cold such as sore throats. The study also found out that it can also simulate the immune system aiding in the body fighting infection.
f) Slippery elm for sore throats
It contains a mucus like substance that will help soothe the tonsils and reduce the irritation happening on the tonsils. It is thus good for tonsils holes and stones.
g) Raw organic honey
Raw organic honey can also be used to relieve the pain caused by the holes. It can also work to heal and get rid of sore throats causing coughing and other symptoms.
h) Marshmallow root
The slippery substance in marshmallow is good for coting sore throats and tonsils holes (crypt). To prepare and use the remedy, mix dry marshmallow root in a cup of warm water to make tea. Drink the tea twice a day for a week for optimal results.
I) Peppermint
For those with bad breath, peppermint has the ability to freshen the breath. Raw and fresh peppermint contains menthol which is good for calming the mucous membrane and relieving sore throats and coughing.
Sources and references
- Tonsil stones: http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/tonsil-stones-tonsilloliths-treatment-and-prevention#1
- Tonsils hole causes: http://www.healthyhowto.org/throat/tonsil-holes/holes-in-tonsils-causes-pus-collect-food-no-pain-strep-holes-behind-tonsils/
- Tonsillolith: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tonsillolith
- Tonsil stone causes: http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Tonsillitis/Pages/Introduction.aspx
- Sore throats and tonsils holes: http://www.healthline.com/health/cold-flu/sore-throat-natural-remedies#Remedies3