In this blog post from Michelsen Dental in Oranage CA, we are going to discuss 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 small masses of lymphoid tissue. As such, they are part of your immune system.
Tonsils are made of infection-fighting tissue known as lymphocytes, but, in many cases they aren’t really that capable at their job of germ killing and ridding the body of toxins. (Adenoids are made up of similar tissue but are located behind the nasal cavity.)
Your tonsils have plenty of wrinkles where dead cells, mucus, and bacteria can collect. 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 of the tonsils. If your tonsils begin to hurt, it’s important to discuss treatment with your dentist or doctor.
Young children may have difficulty describing where the pain is coming from. If your son or daughter has persistent sore throats, have your pediatrician check their tonsils.
Regular visits with a pediatrician are essential for your child. Regular dental check-ups are just as important. At Michelsen Dental in Orange CA, we offer a full range of general dentistry, as well as restorative dentistry. Schedule an appointment today!
Contact Michelsen Dental:
714-538-1178
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
172 N Tustin St Ste 104
Orange, California
92867
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