Nasal irrigation is a procedure where the nasal cavity is flushed out and cleaned with a warm solution of salt water and sodium bicarbonate. It can also be known as nasal washing, sinus rinsing, sinus lavage, and sinus irrigation. This is usually performed using a device called a neti pot. This technique has been performed by those ancient yoga practitioners and now, a lot of people have been performing it due to its cleansing benefits. This has also been suggested for people with tonsil stones.
Tonsil stones, also called tonsilollith, are white hardened clumps that form on the tonsils. Another term for this particular condition is cryptic tonsils because these stones take root in the tonsil crypts, the divots or pockets on the tonsils’ surface. The tonsil stones are basically packets of mucus coated food particles that become lodged in the crypts, just like how oyster secrets a substance around a grain of sand to make a pearl. Once the mucus is released, it combines around the food particles left in mouth and in turn, will slightly solidify around them.
Excessive production of mucus is caused by post nasal drips where the sinuses become infected or swollen. Once the excess mucus begins to run down the back of the throat, it would often result to a cough that usually worsens at night. When the excess mucus reaches the tonsils, it can combine with the small particle and bits of food present in the mouth. When an anaerobic bacterium mixes with these substances during the calcification process, tonsil stones will undoubtedly develop.
Nasal irrigation helps remove the contaminants to allow the nasal cavity and sinuses to work efficiently and effectively. It freshen the breath and alleviates the symptoms of post nasal drip which is known to cause halitosis or bad breath and tonsil stones. It thins the mucus in the congested area like the nose, making it easier to expel and remove the contaminants that may have caused the congestion in the first place.
There are also other preventive measures that can be carried out aside from nasal irrigation. Avoiding mouthwashes with alcohol base, alcoholic beverages and drinks is best recommended because these can encourage bad bacteria to grow in the mouth. Dairy products and milk too should be avoided because these foods can stimulates the production of mucous and calcium, which are both elements of tonsil stones. Proper oral hygiene is the best way to go to minimize the effects of the bacteria in the mouth and clean it.