In decades past, doctors performed more tonsillectomies on kids. If you were a child with frequent sore throats, “getting your tonsils out” was a rite of passage.
A tonsillectomy was once a common procedure to treat infection and inflammation of the tonsils (tonsillitis). Today, a tonsillectomy is usually performed for sleep-disordered breathing but may still be a treatment when tonsillitis occurs frequently or doesn’t respond to other treatments. Mayo Clinic
Let’s talk about tonsil infections.
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. 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.
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 rare cases, it hardens and becomes a tonsil stone or tonsillolith.
Tonsil infection is characterized by:
Bad breath
Sore throat
Difficulty swallowing
Ear pain
Swelling of tonsils
Some children have persistent tonsil infections that eventually require surgical removal of the tonsils. If your child complains of throat pain, it’s critical to discuss treatment with your dentist or doctor.
If your son or daughter has persistent sore throats, ask your physician to check their tonsils. Young children may have difficulty describing where the pain is coming from.
Regular visits with a pediatrician are for your child. Regular dental check-ups are just as critical. 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 972-323-0501 to schedule an appointment.
Your pediatric dentist can establish if the mouth pain is the result of a sore throat or dental issue.
Contact The Carrollton Dentist:
972-323-0501
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
2440 N Josey Ln Ste 101
Carrollton, Texas
75006
