The Most Common Types of Tonsil Infection

Leslie Knight

The tonsils are two lymph nodes located at the back of the throat, and they serve as the first defence against infection. Their purpose is to prevent infection from travelling further into the body, but the tonsils themselves can become infected in the process.

When tonsils become infected the condition is referred to as tonsillitis, which could become serious if left untreated.

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Tonsillitis is most common in children beginning in the preschool age up into the teens. The two types of tonsil infection are recurrent tonsillitis that is described as multiple events of acute infection throughout the year. Chronic tonsillitis episodes last longer than the recurrent type, and are characterised by ongoing sore throat, tender lymph nodes and bad breath.

There is a list of other symptoms that are associated with both types of tonsil infection and they include painful swallowing, fever, chills, headache, earache, stiff or sore neck and jaw and a scratchy voice. The tonsils can be red, swollen and have white or yellowish spots.

Another tonsil infection you should keep an eye out for is tonsil stones. They have similar symptoms to tonsillitis and can take many forms – so you could get yellow, red or even a black tonsil stone.

Seeing a Doctor

Chronic tonsillitis does not always require medical attention, but the patient should see a doctor when there is muscle weakness, stiff neck, a fever of 103 degrees or more and promptly if the throat is so swollen that breathing is difficult.

The doctor will make a diagnosis based on a physical examination, and a throat swab may be taken to identify the cause.

types of tonsil infectionTreatment

Antibiotics will be prescribed if the throat culture shows the cause is a bacterial infection. They can be used to treat tonsil stones, tonsillitis and just about any kind of tonsil infection.

If the condition is recurrent or resistant to treatment, the doctor may recommend a tonsillectomy. This type of surgery was much more common in earlier times, but it is done only as a means of last resort these days.

There is a common belief that the best cure for most health issues is a good defence. This is also true for infected tonsils since the disease is very contagious. It is best to avoid people who are suffering from a tonsil infection. Good hygiene is also essential, so washing the hands using an antibacterial soap is recommended.

Tonsillar Cellulitis

While an episode of tonsillitis can usually be cleared up within less than a week, there are serious complications that can also develop. Sometimes the infection will spread and affect other areas within the body. This condition is called tonsillar cellulitis. A buildup of pus can also develop behind the tonsils known as peritonsillar abscess.

If that should happen, more surgery will be required to drain the abscess. It is very important for the patient to take the antibiotics as prescribed to prevent further complications which could include rheumatic fever.

Sometimes when the throat is very sore for more the a couple days, the problem may be strep throat rather than tonsillitis. It is important to see a doctor if the problem is severe and continues, to verify whether it really is strep throat.

This condition is also treated with antibiotics, and the patient should be scheduled for a follow-up visit after the full course of medication has been taken.

How To Treat Mouth Ulcers

Leslie Knight

Mouth ulcers are more common than most people imagine and they should clear up on their own. If you have a mouth ulcer, it should be gone within a week or 2 and they will rarely show signs of anything serious.

The problem is that they can be very uncomfortable to live with which is why many people wonder about what they can do to speed the healing process.

How To Treat A Mouth Ulcer

Mouth ulcers need time to heel and there is no quick fix available. All you can do is try to reduce the irritation of the ulcer and reduce the pain that you feel. You also need to look at reducing the chances of the ulcer coming back.

To help with the irritation and healing, there are a number of things that you should be doing. There are also a number of things that you need to avoid as they will only make the pain worse and lengthen the healing time.

What You Should Be Doing

When you brush your teeth, you should use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Hard-bristled brushes can cause irritation which will increase the pain levels and increase the length of time it takes the ulcer to heal.

You should also look at drinking cool drinks through a straw. The drinks coming into contact with the ulcer can cause a problem and, depending on the drink, pain.

The food that you eat should also be looked at. Try eating softer foods and ensure that you have a healthy and balanced diet. Getting the right nutrients will help your body heal and will ensure that the ulcer heals in the given time frame.

You should also go for regular dental check-ups to ensure that the ulcer is not causing problems or becoming infected.

This is the same for other gum infections and tonsil infections. If you’re having recurring problems with then you need to get regular check-ups.

What You Should Avoid Doing

When you have a mouth ulcer, you need to avoid eating certain foods. Foods that are highly acidic, salty and spicy should be avoided as they will cause a burning pain when they come into contact with the ulcer. You should also avoid foods that are crunchy such as toast because this will irritate the ulcer.

You need to be careful with your drinks as well. Very hot and acidic drinks should be avoided and this will include fruit juice. Certain fruit juices are highly acidic and this will cause pain. You should also avoid chewing gum and this can cause irritation.

When you brush your teeth, you need to avoid any toothpaste that contains sodium lauryl sulfate. This will cause pain when it comes into contact with your ulcer and is something that you can easily avoid.

Going To The Pharmacy

While mouth ulcers will heal on their own, you can visit the pharmacy to get products that could help. Antimicrobial mouthwash should be considered as this will ensure that the ulcer is clean and does not become infected.

A clean ulcer will heal faster than one that has to fight off infection. You may also be able to get a painkilling mouthwash, spray or gel that will help you get through the day.

A Beginner’s Guide On How To Treat Gingivitis Effectively

Leslie Knight

If you are suffering from red, tender, inflamed, and bleeding gums, then the chances are likely that you have gingivitis. Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and can be resolved using good oral hygiene techniques.

However, if it is left untreated, the problem can result in periodontitis – an oral condition causing tooth loss and pocketing around the teeth. To avoid symptoms of periodontitis, it is recommended that you treat the gingivitis as soon as signs present themselves.

This article will provide information on how to treat gingivitis effectively.

What Are The Best Ways To Clean Teeth And Gums At Home?

When a person experiences gingivitis, the primary goal is to remove all inflammation from the gums and restore them to a healthy pink color. While people brush their teeth for decades, it is possible that you are not using the correct brushing technique.

The first step to treating any gingivitis is to brush the teeth correctly and floss at least twice per day.

Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, place the brush against the gum line diagonally and move it backwards and forwards massaging the gums. Then, clean the sides and the back of the teeth.

Do not forget to clean the chewing surfaces of the teeth as well because these areas contain food debris that can result in tooth rot. Always be gentle when brushing as hard brushing can provoke sensitive teeth and gums.

After brushing, floss between each tooth during the daily dental cleaning. It is recommended that you spend at least two minutes of the procedure brushing and flossing, and replace the toothbrush every few months or when the bristles become frayed.

When you have completed brushing, rinse your mouth using an antibacterial mouthwash. The mouthwash will remove any residual bacteria and plaque from the gums.

Maintaining a good oral health routine is vital for preventing other gum, throat and tonsil infections (like tonsillitis, mouth ulcers, tonsil stones or kissing tonsils). It should be a big part of everyone’s everyday and should not be overlooked.

What Vitamins Can Be Used For Better Gums?

If you are experiencing gingivitis, another home remedy is the use of vitamin C supplements. Vitamin C is well-known to help wounds heal faster and while it may not cure the condition, it can help stop the gums from bleeding.

Vitamin C supplements can be consumed in a tablet form or by eating vitamin C-rich foods, such as broccoli, citrus fruits, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, and tomatoes.

By adding these vitamin supplements into your diet you’ll be able to pretty much detox in a week and relieve yourself of symptoms caused by this infection.

What Can A Dentist Do To Treat Gingivitis?

Dentists can assist in handling gingivitis by evaluating the area during a dental cleaning appointment and removing any existing tartar or plaque build-up on the teeth. A dental probe can be used to measure the development of pockets at the gum line and determine if the gingivitis is evolving into periodontitis.

Abnormalities can hinder dental hygiene and dental professionals will provide information on correct dental techniques for brushing at home. It is recommended that you make a habit to visit the dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.

Final Words

As can be seen, gingivitis can be dealt with in different simple and effective ways. Using the information above, you can determine the procedures to use and apply them according to your situation.

What are the Symptoms of Tonsil Infections

Leslie Knight

Tonsil stones are hard yellow or white growths that grow on the tonsils or within them. It’s difficult to diagnose them and most people might not be aware of them particularly because their size different from that of a rice grain to a grape.

They rarely cause more health complications but they can grow bigger in size forcing the tonsils to swell. Additionally, they produce a very unpleasant odor.

Causes Of Tonsil Stones

Tonsils contain crypts basically made up of tunnels, crevices and pits. Eventually, they collect different types of debris such as mucus, dead cells, saliva and food causing a lot of buildup. Eventually bacteria will thrive on this buildup cause an unpleasant odor.

With time, the debris hardens to become a tonsil stone. It might be one large stone or smaller formations. Some of the causes of tonsil stones include the following.

  • Large tonsils
  • Inflamed tonsils
  • Poor dental hygiene
  • Chronic sinus issues

Tonsil Stones Symptoms

As mentioned sometimes they are tough to notice but there are a few tonsil stones infection symptoms that might be noticeable. These include the following:

  • Trouble when swallowing
  • Sore throat
  • Ear pain
  • Bad breath
  • Swollen tonsils
  • Ongoing cough
  • Yellow or white debris on the tonsils

With smaller tonsil stones will not have any symptoms but are more common than the large ones. Watching out for these symptoms is how to tell if you have tonsil stones.

How Can You Prevent Tonsil Stones

If you get tonsil stones, they will have a regular recurrence but you can take a few steps to prevent them. Here’s what you need to do.

  • Start practicing good oral and dental hygiene. For instance, you should clean the bacteria on the back of your tongue when brushing your teeth to prevent any buildup.
  • Make sure you are properly hydrated by taking lots of water every day
  • Gargle regularly with salty water to clear out the bacteria in the buildup
  • Stop smoking

These are also good practices for other oral infections like tonsillitis, mouth ulcers and gingivitis.

Removing Tonsil Stones

Tonsil stones are not very harmful but you can remove them because of the bad breath and if there is a lot of discomfort. There are numerous medical procedures and home remedies that can be used to remove tonsil stones. Here are some of the top choices for tonsil stone removal you should consider.

  • Gargling – Use salt water to gargle vigorously to remove any discomfort in your throat and dislodge the tonsil stones. It will also change the chemistry in your mouth removing any bad odors caused by the tonsil stones.
  • Coughing” You can find out whether you have tonsil stones by coughing. Once discovered, energetic coughing can loosen them up completely.
  • Manual Removal ” Don’t use a toothbrush to remove your tonsil stones since it might cause bleeding or infection. Alternatively, you should consider a cotton swab or a water pick for a gentle removal.
  • Medical Removal Procedures ” You can visit the doctor to have your tonsil stones removed through lasers. However, there are some antibiotics that can remove them.

Keep in mind that tonsil stones are not contagious but there are a few complications they might cause such as inflammation, swelling, infection or abscess as well as disrupting the normal tissue found in the tonsils.

If any of these complications occur, you need to consider surgery.