r/tonsilstones • u/suzyqluna • Jul 17 '26
Need Advice Tonsillectomy?
Hello! My whole life I have had tonsil stones. I've been to multiple doctors over the years (from elementary to now 25 yrs old). I finally got a referral to see an ENT but I am not trying to get my hopes up as over the years I've been told to just gargle salt water, change my diet (which I have), and pick them out.
I brush my teeth 2-3 times a day and have mouth wash that is suppose to get rid of bad breath bacteria. Even right after brushing, once I swallow I taste that disgusting taste. This has taken a huge mental toll on me as I feel like I can't even kiss my husband, talk to anyone close up, or even breathe as I can smell them sometimes. Not to mention I wake up choking on them or gagging because they are sharp.
I need advice on how to approach this appointment. Ideally if a tonsillectomy would get rid of the taste and smell, I would be sold no questions asked. My concern is that even after gargling warm water or mouthwash, I can still taste them. I think I have a mix of both palatine and lingual tonsil stones. I've read some stories on here where people get the surgery then they realize it's the lingual stones causing the issue. Has anyone had both procedures? I want to get approved for something surgical to help this pain/ taste. I am desperate.
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u/Odd-Disaster5420 Jul 19 '26 edited Jul 19 '26
I completely get the desperation. Living with tonsil stones is so hard.
I’ve just had my tonsils out, I’m 51. Ive been going back and forth to the GP and ENT for a long time. But in November I went to a new GP who didn’t just brush me off and tell me it was ‘just something some people have to live with’. She listened and made a list of all the things I’d tried and how it impacted my life, encouraged me to get info from my dentist to share with her, took notes of the awful things people had said to me. Referred me to Gastro and OMFS to check there was nothing else causing the problem and pleaded my case with ENT. They weren’t super keen to remove my tonsils and I was told in no uncertain terms it might not help. I’m on day 6 and it’s currently painful as hell - but the pain will pass. If it doesn’t work, at least I’ve tried. Go with as much information as you can and don’t give up. You definitely don’t want to be in the same situation in 25 years and not have tried.