Today in the Mt. Vernon Center For Dentistry dental blog, we’ll veer from family dentistry to focus on the two lumps of soft tissue in the back of the throat – the tonsils.
Your tonsils sit at the base of the tongue, one on each side. They are gland-like masses that function as part of the lymphatic system. Tonsils are made of infection-fighting tissue known as lymphocytes, but, in many cases, tonsils aren’t really that capable at their job of germ killing and ridding the body of toxins.
Tonsils have many areas where dead cells, mucus, and bacteria can become trapped. If this debris accumulates and becomes concentrated, white formations can occur in the pockets. In rare cases, it hardens and becomes a tonsil stone or tonsillolith.
Here are some signs of tonsil infection:
Bad breath
Sore throat
Difficulty swallowing
Ear pain
Swelling of tonsils
Some people (often children) have persistent tonsil infections that eventually require surgical removal. If your tonsils begin to hurt, it’s critical to discuss treatment with your Alexandria dentist or doctor.
At the Mt. Vernon Center for Dentistry in Alexandria VA, we are enthusiastic about the oral health of our patients. We provide family and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule an appointment with us today.
Contact Mt. Vernon Center For Dentistry:
703-360-5881
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
8101 Hinson Farm Rd Ste 114
Alexandria, Virginia
22306
