Today in the Russell Anderson Jr. Dentistry dental blog, we are going to consider 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 part of the body’s lymphatic system. As such, they are part of your immune system.
Tonsils are made of infection-fighting tissue known as lymphocytes, but, in many cases, tonsils aren’t really that efficient 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.)
Bacteria, mucus, and dead cells can get trapped on the outside of your tonsils. 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 kids) have persistent tonsil infections that eventually require surgical removal of the tonsils. If your tonsils begin to hurt, it’s critical 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 common sore throats, have your pediatrician check their tonsils.
Regular visits with a pediatrician are vital for your child. Regular dental check-ups are just as vital. If your young child has never seen a dentist, or if you are new to the area and don’t have a children’s dentist, call us at 770-419-2535 to schedule an appointment.
We look forward to meeting you and your son or daughter.
Contact Russell Anderson Jr. Dentistry:
770-419-2535
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1415 Wooten Lake Rd NW Ste 300
Kennesaw, Georgia
30144
