health topics

How to Get Rid of White Spots on Tonsils

There are many possible causes of white spots on the tonsils, which will determine the type of treatment to get rid of them. Causes and treatments may include antibiotics for strep throat or tonsillitis, antifungal medications for oral thrush, NSAIDs for mononucleosis, surgical removal of tonsil stones, and others.
There are many possible causes of white spots on the tonsils, which will determine the type of treatment to get rid of them. Causes and treatments may include antibiotics for strep throat or tonsillitis, antifungal medications for oral thrush, NSAIDs for mononucleosis, surgical removal of tonsil stones, and others.

White spots on the tonsils are often caused by infections or inflammation. 

There are several possible causes for white spots on the tonsils, and treatment to get rid of white spots depends on the cause. 

What Are the Causes and Treatments?

1. Strep Throat

Treatment for white spots on the tonsils due to strep throat caused by streptococcus bacteria includes antibiotics.

2. Tonsillitis

Treatment for white spots on the tonsils caused by tonsillitis includes: 

  • If caused by a virus, rest and adequate hydration may be all that is needed
  • If caused by bacteria, antibiotics may be prescribed

3. Oral Thrush

Treatment for white spots on the tonsils caused by oral thrush includes antifungal medications.

4. Mononucleosis

Treatment for white spots on the tonsils caused by mononucleosis (“mono”) includes:

  • Rest and adequate hydration may be all that is needed because mononucleosis is most often caused by a virus (usually the Epstein-Barr virus)
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) may help relieve fever and body aches

5. Tonsil Stones

Treatment for white spots on the tonsils caused by tonsil stones includes:

  • No treatment may be needed because the stones may go away on their own
  • Medications may include antibiotics for infection or antihistamines to treat sinus problems or allergies
  • Laser treatment (laser tonsil cryptolysis)
  • Coblation cryptolysis
  • Surgical removal of the tonsils (tonsillectomy)

6. Enlarged Tonsils

Treatment for white spots on the tonsils caused by enlarged tonsils without signs of infection includes:

  • No treatment may be needed if there are no symptoms 
  • If patients have problems swallowing, surgical removal of the tonsils (tonsillectomy) may be recommended

7. Oral Herpes

Treatment for white spots on the tonsils caused by oral herpes includes:

  • Oral antiviral medications, such as acyclovir, famciclovir and valacyclovir
  • Topical antiviral ointments, such as acyclovir and penciclovir
  • Over-the-counter (OTC) topical anesthetics or anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve symptoms

8. Leukoplakia

Treatment for white spots on the tonsils caused by leukoplakia includes:

  • Stop smoking/chewing tobacco
  • Limit or avoid alcohol
  • Surgical removal of white patches if it is suspected it could become cancerous

9. Lichen Planus

Treatment for white spots on the tonsils caused by lichen planus includes:

  • Prescription mouthwashes and sprays can help relieve burning or sore gums
  • Corticosteroids, oral, topical, or by injection 
  • Immunosuppressants 
  • May go away on its own but can also last years

What Other Symptoms May Accompany White Spots on the Tonsils?

Other symptoms that may accompany white spots on the tonsils depend on the cause and may include:

  • Strep Throat 
    • Pain on swallowing
    • Red and swollen tonsils
    • Tiny, red spots on the roof of the mouth 
    • Swollen or sore lymph nodes on the front of the neck
    • Fever
    • Headache
    • Rash (scarlet fever)
  • Tonsillitis
  • Oral thrush 
    • Red spots and bleeding under the white patches
    • Unpleasant taste in mouth
    • Feels like cotton in the mouth
    • Pain or burning sensation on the tongue
    • Difficulty eating, swallowing, speaking, or tasting foods and drinks
    • Cracks at the corners of the mouth
    • Not wanting to feed (in babies)
  • Mononucleosis
    • Extreme tiredness/fatigue
    • Fever
    • Sore throat
    • Headache 
    • Muscle aches
    • Swollen and sore lymph nodes in the neck and armpits
    • Swollen liver or spleen or both
    • Rash
  • Tonsil stones
    • Bad breath
    • Difficulty swallowing
    • Swollen tonsils
    • Sore throat
    • Ear pain
    • Cough
  • Enlarged tonsils without signs of infection
    • Tonsils may enlarge due to immune response in the body
    • Round masses in the back of the throat
    • Trouble swallowing
  • Oral herpes
    • Severe, flu-like symptoms, including swollen lymph nodes and headache
    • Sores on and around the lips and mouth
  • Leukoplakia
    • Spots that can be anywhere in the mouth
  • Lichen Planus
    • Burning or pain
    • Gum inflammation (gingivitis)
    • Bleeding and irritation with tooth brushing
    • Painful, thick patches on the tongue
    • Sensitivity to hot, spicy, or acidic foods
    • Discomfort speaking, chewing, or swallowing

From WebMD Logo

Infectious Disease Resources
Featured Centers
References
Image Source: iStock Images

https://www.cdc.gov/groupastrep/diseases-public/strep-throat.html

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Tonsillitis/

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/oral-thrush-mouth-thrush/

https://www.cdc.gov/epstein-barr/about-mono.html

https://www.tonsilstoness.com/

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/herpes-hsv1-and-hsv2/oral-herpes

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/leukoplakia/

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lichen-planus/