This message from Pediatric Dental Center is about tonsils and sore throats.
In the past, doctors performed more tonsillectomies on kids than they do today. 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 vital to discuss treatment with your dentist or doctor.
If your youngster has common sore throats, ask your physician to check their tonsils. Young children may have difficulty describing where the pain is coming from.
At Pediatric Dental Center we specialize in early dental care and preventative care. We have offices in Burlington, Cold Spring and Crestview Hills KY. Call us to schedule your child’s next checkup with us today!
Contact Pediatric Dental Center:
859-534-5640
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
Pediatric Dental Center – Burlington
5495 N Bend Rd Ste 102
Burlington, KY 41005
Pediatric Dental Center – Cold Spring
418 Crossroads Blvd
Newport, KY 41076
Pediatric Dental Center – Crestview Hills
220 Thomas More Pkwy
Crestview Hills, KY 41017
