Tonsillar crypts are pockets on the surface of the tonsil that can lead to bacterial infections and bad breath. Tonsilloliths, or small stones, can form and cause difficulty swallowing and bad breath. The only way to prevent them from returning is through a tonsillectomy. Removing the tonsils is a minor operation that takes about an hour and is performed under anesthesia. Patients typically recover within six weeks.
A tonsillar crypt is a pocket or pit on the surface of the tonsil that is present at birth. Most tonsil crypts shrink within a few months, but in some cases, fissures may form, leading to bacterial infections and bad breath. Chronic tonsillitis can cause a cheesy substance to settle in a tonsil pit, which sometimes develops into small stones. There are several ways to clean out tonsil pits, but the only way to keep them from coming back is through a tonsillectomy.
Experts believe that tonsils only serve a purpose during the first year of life, forming antibodies to fight bacteria that enter the body through the mouth. Once immunity is complete, the tonsils no longer perform any useful function, according to doctors who specialize in ear, nose and throat disorders. Children who have had their tonsils removed aren’t suffering from an inability to ward off infections, these doctors say.
When small stones appear in a tonsillar crypt, they are called tonsilloliths. They contain sulfa, which gives off a foul smell similar to the smell of rotten eggs. The patient not only suffers from bad breath, but may also have difficulty swallowing because he feels that there is an obstruction in the back of the throat.
A dental irrigation tool can help remove stones from a tonsil pit. Some people use a light, mirror, and cotton ball to remove globules of mucus that could develop into tonsilloliths. Others find gargling with salt water or vinegar to be helpful in controlling bad breath and flushing out food trapped in crypts. Cleaning the tongue with a scraper or toothbrush might help remove the bacteria before they migrate to a tonsil vault.
The usual treatment for chronic tonsillitis that can’t be cured with antibiotics involves removing the tonsils. This is considered a fairly minor operation that does not usually require an overnight stay in the hospital. Complications of tonsillectomy are rare, but include infection, bleeding, and pain. Some patients notice a change in their voice after surgery.
The surgery is performed under anesthesia and takes about an hour. The patient typically stays in the recovery room for several hours before returning home. Soft foods and cool liquids are typically prescribed for several days after surgery to avoid scratching the throat. Patients usually make a full recovery within six weeks.
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