Cryptic Tonsils: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

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Cryptic TonsilsDo you have bad breath that you can’t get rid of—no matter how many times you may brush your teeth? Do you get tonsillitis more often than anyone else you know? When you look at your tonsils, do you notice that they’re covered in white spots?  Well, friend, there’s a very good chance you may have cryptic tonsils. But don’t lose hope. We’re going to give you a helping hand. From the easy definition of cryptic tonsils, to cryptic tonsil causes, to cryptic tonsils treatment, we are going to cover all the things you should know to deal with your issue. Hopefully, we’ll help you end the symptoms that might be causing you some distress.

What Are the Causes of Cryptic Tonsils?

What causes cryptic tonsils? Essentially, your tonsils develop small folds or pockets on them that are called crypts. The crypts themselves are very much a normal thing that, for the most part, can’t be helped. Cryptic tonsils occur when those crypts become filled with food particles, bacteria, dead cells and other mouth debris. They can begin to cause all sorts of discomfort for the sufferer, both physical and social. But, how can you tell if your tonsils have become cryptic tonsils?

The Symptoms of Cryptic Tonsils

What are cryptic tonsils symptoms? Are there clear signs that your tonsils have gone cryptic? Cryptic tonsils have a number of symptoms that make them easier to spot.

1. Visible Debris on the Tonsils

With a case of cryptic tonsils, a look in the mirror will often reveal the debris that is filling the crypts on your tonsils. It will often appear as white specks all over the tonsil.

2. Bad Breath

Unfortunately, due to the food particles that are just sitting in the folds of your tonsils and rotting, cryptic tonsils tend to give those who have them terrible breath.

3. Chronic Sore Throats and Tonsillitis

Cryptic tonsils are caused by food particles and other mouth debris getting trapped in the tonsils. This will often make the tonsils a breeding ground for bacteria, which can make it really easy for the tonsils to become infected—as well as provide that bacteria easy access to the throat.

4. Tonsil Stones and Other Not-So-Nice Things

The debris in the crypts can eventually form tonsil stones (hard formations around the tonsil area). Occasionally, the debris will clump together and leave foul-smelling lumps in your mouth.

As you can see, the symptoms of cryptic tonsils are not exactly pleasant. Luckily, there are a number of ways to treat them and get your mouth and tonsils back into shape.

Treating Cryptic Tonsils

There are a number of ways to treat cryptic tonsils so that you can go on with your regular routine.

1. Saltwater Rinse

A saltwater rinse may help clean out the crypts, depending on how packed they are with particles and debris. This can also ease the removal of tonsil stones as well as prevent the stones from returning. Take one teaspoon of salt and mix with a glass of warm water. Gargle for a few minutes and spit.

2. Antibiotics

In the case of really stubborn inflammation and infection, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics in order to help take care of any accompanying issues that may arise.

3. Vinegar Rinse

Much like the saltwater rinse, a vinegar rinse can help clear out the debris that causes cryptic tonsils as well as tonsil stones. Boil the vinegar and let it cool to warm. Gargle with the warm vinegar for a few minutes and spit.

4. Surgery

In the case of severe cryptic tonsils or a resulting infection, a doctor may recommend surgery to remove the particles causing the tonsils to become cryptic. If it has become really bad, surgery to remove the tonsils outright may be in order.

5. Laser Removal

You did read that right. They can now use lasers for your tonsils. In this case, the laser is used to remove the debris and tonsil stones that would be causing your cryptic tonsils. This is usually done in an office, and the procedure doesn’t usually last more than 30 minutes.

Hopefully, one of these treatments will help you rid yourself of cryptic tonsils and all of the issues that they bring with them.

Cryptic Tonsils Are Awful but Manageable

Having crypts on your tonsils is perfectly normal, and getting food stuck in them from time to time is pretty hard to avoid. That being said, if the tonsils become cryptic, they may cause some physical and social awkwardness. Luckily, cryptic tonsils can be dealt with at home or with the help of a doctor. And you don’t want to wait. The longer you wait, the harder it is to correct, and let’s be honest here, do you really want to spit out clumps of awful smelling food particles? The quicker you treat the cryptic tonsils, the less of that you have to deal with.



Sources:
“Causes Of Cryptic Tonsils: Symptoms And How To Get Rid Of It?” Tandurust, May 27, 2014, http://www.tandurust.com/oral-care/cryptic-tonsils-how-to-get-rid-of.html, last accessed April 18, 2017.
Hayes, K., “What to do About Cryptic Tonsils,” Very Well, January 09, 2017, https://www.verywell.com/what-to-do-about-cryptic-tonsils-1191883, last accessed April 18, 2017.
Salina, “How To Get Rid Of Cryptic Tonsils? Symptoms & Surgical Treatment,” Simple Remedies, January 11, 2016, http://www.simple-remedies.com/alternative-therapies/cryptic-tonsils-how-to-get-rid-of.html, last accessed April 18, 2017.
Scott, Z., “How To Cure Cryptic Tonsils,” How To Do Things, http://www.howtodothings.com/health-fitness/how-to-cure-cryptic-tonsils, last accessed April 18, 2017.